Chemical composition that attract arthropods

ABSTRACT

Compositions and methods employing the compositions for attracting arthropods. The compositions comprise at least one compound of formula I and at least one compound from group II.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Insects have plagued people throughout history. Fast intercontinentaltravel and trade have enabled the importation of nonindigenous insectpests (e.g., species of mosquitoes, such as Aedes albopictus, the AsianTiger mosquito) into the United States. As a result, the U.S. must facethe task of controlling numerous species of nuisance pests, such asarthropods and, more specifically, mosquitoes. Some of these insectsspread disease and, thus, are of great medical and veterinaryimportance. Control of these pests is necessary to reduce or eliminatethe spread of arthropod-borne diseases.

The primary focus of this invention is the control or reduction of thepopulation of mosquitoes. At least three “generations” of controlmethods have been developed over the years. The first generation ofcontrol methods comprise chemicals dispensed by foggers or sprayers,both on the ground and through the air. These chemicals may beclassified as either adulticides or larvicides and are intended toattack and kill the adult mosquito or its larva, respectively. Thesechemicals usually have an inherent toxicity, which is potentiallyinjurious to the environment, to marine life and wildlife, andultimately to humans. As a result, these chemical insecticides havebecome viewed with disfavor.

One such insecticide product was “DURSBAN™ 10CR” produced by DowChemical Company in the mid-1970's. There were at least two problemswith this product. First, it was inherently toxic and potentiallyharmful to the environment. Second, because of rapid turnover of themosquito population and the selection of resistant genes by Dursban,insects could develop a resistance to the chemicals. Mosquitoesultimately develop an immunity to adulticides of the same chemicalfamily. This situation is referred to as “cross resistance” andillustrates that under adverse conditions, insects may adapt. Thisability to adapt, often within a few generations, provides complicationsfor researchers engaged in the field of pest control.

As a departure from the chemical adulticides and larvicides, a secondgeneration of mosquito control product was developed. This secondgeneration is known as insect growth regulators. Their purpose is toprevent the immature insect from transforming into an adult. This classof mosquito control product allows the larva to enter into its pupastage but prevent the pupa from developing into an adult. These productshave very low toxicity, or practically no toxicity, and hence are notdetrimental to aquatic life. Due to the general application of thiscontrol material to the environment through a form such as a charcoalbriquet, the products are messy, inconvenient to handle, and are veryexpensive. These products also require adequate surveillance of standingwater and delivery of briquets to these locations. The potential existsthat some sites will go untreated.

Over the past fifteen years, a third generation of insecticides has beendeveloped. These are bacteriological methods for spreading endotoxinsamong insect populations. One of the most successful endotoxin agentsused against insects is Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki, abacterium which infects the larvae of Lepidoptera (moths) that are to bedestroyed. More recently, a new variety has been uncovered for useagainst mosquito and black fly larvae. This is Bacillus thuringiensisBerliner var. israelensis and its accompanying proteinaceous parasporalparticles which contain protoxin. When a larvicidal microorganism of thebacillus type is used and is sprayed on the water in the form of aliquid produced by diluting the wettable powder or liquid concentratewith water, a similar problem is encountered. The bacillus spores andprotoxin particles are heavier than water and sink. Additionally, theapplication of the bacillus does not have a sustained release—it isessentially “one shot”—and hence re-applications are often necessary toinsure an effective mosquito control program. This is time consuming andexpensive, and extensive surveillance is needed to target all breedingareas.

Besides these existing chemical and microbial insecticides, otherdevices and methods are known for the control or destruction ofmosquitos and other aquatic pests.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,166,112 and 4,187,200, issued to Goldberg in 1979 and1980, respectively, disclosed Bacillus thuringiensis in which a carrierwas formulated as a buoyant colloidal suspension which stabilized justunder the surface of the water.

According to information published by Biochem Products, a division ofSalsbury Laboratories, Inc., a member of the Solvay Group, the earliestdocumented record of Bacillus thuringiensis was in Japan in 1901. In thedecades since, at least 14 varieties of B.t have been identified fromseveral countries on the bases of biochemical characteristics andserotyping of vegetative cell flagellar antigens. Bacillusthuringiensis, Berliner also known as HD-1, Serotype H-3a3b, or B.t.variety kurstaki, has been registered in the United States since 1961for control of Lepidopteran larvae or caterpillars and is the typecommonly used in forestry, agriculture, home and commercial gardeningand horticulture. Products containing B.t reportedly have an excellentsafety record with no documented incidents of serious or undesirableside effects on man and the environment. Biochem Products supplies awettable powder or a flowable concentrate under the trademark“BACTIMOS™” which is derived from B.t.i., Serotype H-14, Bacillusthuringiensis variety israelensis, and was discovered in Israel in 1976.This is a larvicidal microorganism comprising Bacillus thuringiensisBerliner var. israelensis and its accompanying proteinaceous parasporalparticles which contain protoxin (commonly referred to as “B.t.i.”).

For mosquito control purposes, the BACTIMOS™ (B.t.i.) is invariablymixed with water and is applied to large areas, using airplanes orhelicopters. This method of application has been continually useddespite the constant and critical need for an alternate delivery systemfor the myriad of ponds and other small bodies of water, as recognizedin MOSQUITO NEWS in 1948.

Moreover, any attempt to impregnate B.t.i. (or the larvicidalmicroorganism of the aforesaid Goldberg patents) into the floatingthermoplastic carrier of the aforesaid Cardarelli patent, would beimpractical (if not impossible) and would destroy the stated utility ofthese references. An exposure of the B.t.i. particles to temperaturesabove 70° or 80° Celsius—depending upon the exposure time, which isinversely correlated with temperature—will cause the B.t.i. to suffer aprotein denaturization, resulting in a change in its molecular structureand a loss of its activity. Thus, it would be impractical to attempt toincorporate B.t.i. into a thermoplastic or elastomeric strip ofmaterial, in view of the molding temperatures likely to be encountered.Moreover, even if the B.t.i. could be incorporated into a polymer orelastomeric matrix without substantially limiting or destroying itsefficacy, these B.t.i. particles are agglomerations of relatively largemolecules and are incapable of migrating within a polymer or elastomericmatrix. Hence, they would not even be released, since the active proteintoxin has a molecular weight of approximately 28 megadaltons. Theaforementioned methods are efficient, but are performed at high monetarycosts to mosquito districts and taxpayers. Ultimately, the mosquitoessought to be controlled are those noticed readily by humans, i.e.mosquitoes and blood-sucking flies that draw blood meals from humans.

Thus, numerous severe problems exist with the mosquito exterminationmethods that use chemical insecticides. As such, an alternative approachtoward arthropod surveillance and control has been developed. One suchpromising method is the use of chemicals as attractants for mosquitoesand other arthropods that prey on human and animal hosts. Thecombination of highly effective chemical attractants with efficienttraps allows for a control method to be developed similar to that usedto control the Tsetse fly in Africa (Vale and Hall, Bull. Ent. Res., 75,219-231 (1985)). Because effective attractants are known for the Tsetsefly, a control method using only baited traps was developed and is veryeffective.

Current surveillance techniques rely on light traps or other traps whichare relatively inefficient in mosquito collection. Sentinel chickens areused to assess transmission risk of encephalitis to humans in a localarea. Better traps via more efficient and less expensive lures or baitswould greatly aid in this endeavor. One example of a trap, U.S. Pat. No.5,657,756 to Nicosia, 1997, involves collection and trapping ofarthropods using warmed circulated fluid.

Carbon dioxide has been shown to attract mosquitoes. Willis, J. Exp.Zool., 121, 149-179 (1952), discloses that Aedes aegypti (mosquitoes)are attracted to carbon dioxide. From amputation experiments on femaleAedes aegypti, it was discovered that carbon dioxide receptors werelocated on the antennae. The role of carbon dioxide in the attraction ofmosquitoes to hosts also has been the subject of numerous laboratorystudies. Rudolfs, N. J. Agric. Exp. Sta. Bull., 367 (1922), and Gouck,J. Econ. Entomol., 55, 386-392 (1962), describe carbon dioxide as anactivator, rather than an actual attractant.

Acree, Science, 1346-7 (1968), discloses that L-lactic acid, isolatedfrom the human hand, attracts female Aedes aegypti. It also disclosesthat carbon dioxide is necessary to observe this attraction.

Wensler, Can. J. Zool., 50, 415-420 (1972), discloses the use of ethylether soluble honey odors to attract Ae. aegypti.

Compositions consisting of lactic acid analogues and carbon dioxide havealso been shown to attract mosquitoes. Carlson, J. Econ. Entomol., 66.329-331 (1973), discloses that some tested analogues of lactic acid hadequivalent attraction to L-lactic acid, but this was not true at alltested doses. The highest reported attraction was 40% of female Ae.aegypti.

Bar-Zeev, J. Med. Entomol., 14, 113-20 (1977), discloses that acomposition consisting solely of lactic acid and carbon dioxide attractsAe. aegypti. Here, the lactic acid was dissolved in acetone, similar tothe use of methanol for the invention described in this application. Itis clearly stated that the acetone solvent was evaporated from thefilter paper prior to the carbon dioxide being allowed to pass into theflask. Acetone was chosen for its properties as a solvent, i.e., goodability to dissolve L-lactic acid and high volatility resulting in rapidevaporation or drying.

Price, J. Chem. Ecol., 5, 383-95 (1979), discloses that human emanationsand carbon dioxide attract female An. quadrimaculatus.

Lactic acid was shown to attract mosquitoes such as virgin Ae. aegypti(mosquitoes) by Davis, J. Insect Physiol., 3, 211-15 (1984).

Gillies, Bull. Entomol. Res., 70, 525-32 (1980), reviews the use ofcarbon dioxide to activate and attract mosquitoes.

Schreck, J. Chem. Ecol., 8, 429-38 (1981), discloses that materialsisolated from human hands, other than L-lactic acid, attract female Ae.aegypti and An. quadrimaculatus mosquitoes.

Lactic acid, in combination with phosphorous-containing compounds havebeen shown to attract mosquitoes. Ikeshoji, Jpn. J. Sanit. Zool., 38,333-38 (1987), discloses lactic acid and hempa; lactic acid and metepa;lactic acid, metepa and olive oil; and lactic acid and DDVP attractmosquitoes.

Lactic acid-related compounds have also been tested as mosquitoattractants by electrophysiology. Davis,. J. Insect Physiol., 34, 443-49(1988), discloses that neurons in the antennae are excited by L-lacticacid, and that analogues of lactic acid, e.g., carboxylic acids,alcohols, hydroxyacids, aldehydes, thiols and haloacids were tested forneuron response. It was shown that no compound elicited as high of arelative responsiveness toward lactic acid-excited cells as did lacticitself.

It has been shown that carbon dioxide, in combination with otherchemicals, serves as an attractant for mosquitoes. Takken and Kline, J.Am. Mosq. Control Assoc., 5, 311-6 (1989), disclose 1-octen-3-ol(octenol) and carbon dioxide as mosquito attractants. Van Essen, Med.Vet. Entomol., 63-7 (1993), discloses the use of carbon dioxide,octenol, and light to attract several species of mosquitoes. Takken, J.Insect Behavior, 10, 395-407 (1997), discloses that a compositionconsisting solely of carbon dioxide, acetone and octenol attractsseveral species of mosquitoes.

Kline, Med. Vet. Entomol., 4, 383-91 (1990), discloses that honeyextract, octenol, carbon dioxide, L-lactic acid plus carbon dioxide,L-lactic acid plus octenol plus carbon dioxide attract mosquitoes welland butanone plus carbon dioxide, and phenol alone are less effective.

Schreck, J. Am. Mosq. Control Assoc., 6, 406-10 (1990), discloses thatmaterials isolated from human skin attract female Ae. aegypti and An.quadrimaculatus (mosquitoes), and the level of attraction, transferredto glass, varies from person to person. It also discloses thatdifferences in attraction level are present depending on the bodylocation origin of the material.

Takken, Insect Sci. Applic., 12, 287-95 (1991), reviews mosquitoattractants and lists acids, alone or in combination with other aminoacids that are attractive for mosquitoes.

Eiras, Bull. Entomol. Res., 81, 151-60 (1991), discloses that lacticacid, carbon dioxide, human sweat and thermal convection currentsattract female Ae. aegypti.

Carlson, J. Med. Entomol., 29, 165-70 (1992), discloses that the releaseof carbon dioxide from the human hand is negligible and therefore is nota factor in the attraction of Ae. aegypti (mosquitoes) to the humanhand.

Bowen, J. Insect Physiol., 40, 611-15 (1994), discloses that lactic acidsensitive receptors are present in Ae. atropalpus.

Eiras, Bull. Entomol. Res., 84, 207-11 (1994), discloses that lacticacid in combination with carbon dioxide has been shown to attractmosquitoes.

Charlwood, Ann. Trop. Med. Parasitol., 89, 327-9 (1995), discloses themosquito-mediated attraction of female mosquitoes to hosts. Severalspecies of mosquitoes were more attracted to a host, e.g., human leg,which already had mosquitoes feeding than a host which had no mosquitoesfeeding on the host (termed “invitation effect”). An apparent pheromone,which was given off by the feeding mosquitoes, was speculated to attractother mosquitoes to the host

DeJong and Knols, Expeientia, 51, 80-4 (1995), discloses that differentmalaria mosquito species (An. gambiae s.s. and An. atroparvus) preferdifferent biting sites on the human body. DeJong and Knols, ActaTropica, 52, 333-5 (1995), disclose that An. gambiae is attracted tocarbon dioxide.

Bernier, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Florida (1995), discloses thepresence of lactic acid, glycerol, and long chain acids and alcohols onthe skin, as well as other chemicals for a total of over 300 compounds.Some of these were identified and examined as candidate attractants.

Geier, in Olfaction in Mosquito-Host Interactions, 132-47 (1996),discloses that carbon dioxide alone is an attractant and that lacticacid alone is a mild attractant, but that the two act as a synergisticattractant. It also discloses that fractions of ethanol washings fromhuman skin are attractive.

Knols and DeJong, Parasitol. Today, 12, 159-61 (1996), disclose thatcarbon dioxide in combination with Limburger cheese, serves as anattractant for female An. gambiae. It was suggested that mosquitoes areattracted to odors emanating from feet and ankles and this odorresembles Limburger cheese. It was also suggested that the odor ofLimburger cheese was due to bacteria involved in cheese production whichoriginate in human skin; comyeform bacteria, in particular strains ofBrevibacterium linens, which is closely related to Br. epidermidis,which forms part of the normal microflora of human feet, methanethiol, apungent sulfur compound which is metabolized from L-methionine liberatedduring proteolytic activity and reported to contribute substantially toboth cheese and foot odor, or the significant quantities ofshort-chained fatty acids in Limburger cheese.

McCall, J. Med. Entomol., 33, 177-9 (1996), discloses that Ae. aegypti(mosquitoes) were attracted to volatile constituents of mouse odor, butdid not identify potential chemicals.

Knols, Bull. Entomol. Res., 81, 151-9 (1997), discloses the use ofLimburger cheese (the acid and non-acid solvent extracted fractions) toattract An. gambiae (mosquitoes). Nineteen saturated and unsaturatedaliphatic fatty acids, ranging in carbon chain lengths from C₂-C₁₈ wereidentified in Limburger cheese.

Mboera, J. Vector. Ecol., 23, 107-13 (1998), disclosed that Culexquinquefasciatus is attracted to a worn stocking and that carbon dioxideplus body odor did not increase response.

Kline, J. Vector. Ecol., 23, 186-94 (1998), disclosed that inolfactometer tests, the human hand or worn sock attracted 80% and 66%,respecively, of Ae. aegypti in the cage. In comparison, Limburger cheeseattracted 6.4%, and the control 0.0% in the olfactometer.

Bernier, Anal. Chem., 71, 1-7 (1999), discloses the method for analysisof skin emanations, including the identification of lactic acid,glycerol, C₁₂-C₁₈ carboxylic acids and C₄-C₁₁ aldehydes.

Takken and Knots, Annu. Rev. Entomol., 44, 131-57 (1999), reviewedodor-mediated behavior of afrotropical mosquitoes, reaffirming carbondioxide as the best known mosquito kairomone.

Braks and Takken, J. Chem. Ecol., 25, 663-72 (1999), disclose that2day-old incubated sweat became attractive to An. gambiae.

Various chemicals have been disclosed as attractants for mosquitoes.U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,526 to Wilson discloses the use of dimethyldisulfide and dibutyl succinate and combinations thereof as attractantsfor Culicidae (mosquitoes).

U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,366 to Balfour (1990) discloses the use of acomposition consisting solely of lactic acid, carbon dioxide, water, andheat to attract mosquitoes.

PCT WO 98/26661 to Justus discloses mixtures of L-lactic acid and itssodium salt, glycerol, and cheese extracts, with and without unsaturatedlong chain carboxylic acids, alcohols and an amide as attractive for Ae.aegypti. The glycerol, as well as other components described asequivalent to the glycerol, appear to make the composition substantive,so that it does not evaporate immediately in a rapid pulse. However, theactive ingredients from Limburger cheese, which are the attractantchemicals, are not disclosed within the document, nor were statisticaldata reported for the results used in the examples.

Several of the above-mentioned chemicals and chemical compositions havebeen employed to attract any of the hundreds of species of mosquitoesand related arthropods that utilize humans and animals as their hosts.In fact, many of the disclosed compositions have been claimed to beactive as attractants for mosquitoes. The activities of theseattractants are often inconsistent and below 50% attraction response inlaboratory experiments. More specifically, none of the disclosedcompositions have been able to attract mosquitoes on a consistent basisas efficiently as, or more efficiently than the human body. As such, thehuman body has been examined repeatedly to provide clues regarding thechemical compositions disclosed. Thus, while chemicals and chemicalcompositions may have been active in attracting mosquitoes, none havebeen classified as successful for mosquito attraction as those reportedin this document.

A long-felt need therefore exists for chemical compositions that can beemployed safely in the environment, and that exhibit a synergisticeffect for attracting mosquitoes wherein the compositions are moreefficient than the human body in attracting mosquitoes. The presentinvention satisfies this need. Current mosquito traps often use carbondioxide, which in prior art was needed for efficient collection andsurveillance. The present invention obviates the need for large carbondioxide gas cylinders or dry ice by providing mosquito attractants thatperform as well as, and more efficiently in place of, carbon dioxide.Although carbon dioxide is not necessary, it can still be included torelease blends, as some insects may be attracted only with itsinclusion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compositions that efficiently attractarthropods (e.g., mosquitoes). Accordingly there is provided acomposition comprising:

-   -   (A) an effective amount of at least one compound of formula I        wherein each X is independently H, halogen, OH, SH, oxo, or        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group;    -   each Y is independently H or (C₁-C₈)alkyl group,    -   Z is H, OH, SH, COOH, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl group;    -   n is an integer between 1 and 10, inclusive;    -   and salts thereof; and    -   an effective amount of at least one compound from group II        wherein group II compounds include a ketone having 3-10 carbon        atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₂-C₁₀)alkene, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, an        alcohol having 1-8 carbon atoms, a halogenated compound        containing 1-8 carbon atoms, a nitrile containing 2-4 carbon        atoms, an ether containing 3-10 carbon atoms, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl        group, a sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group;    -   wherein any one or more of the (C₆-C₁₀)aryl group or        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group may be substituted at any one or more        positions with a substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, oxo, halogen, OH, SH, COOH, COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl group,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group, (C₁-C₈)alkyl sulfide and (C₁-C₈)alkyl group;    -   and salts thereof;    -   wherein the composition is effective to attract arthropods; or    -   (B) a composition comprising an effective amount of tartaric        acid or an acceptable salt thereof; and    -   an effective amount of at least one compound from group II        wherein group II compounds include a ketone having 3-10 carbon        atoms, (C₂-C₁₀)alkene, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, an alcohol having 1-8        carbon atoms, a halogenated compound containing 1-8 carbon        atoms, a nitrile containing 2-4 carbon atoms, an ether        containing 3-10 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl        group, a sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group;    -   wherein any one or more of the (C₆-C₁₀)aryl or        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic may be substituted at any one or more        positions with a substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, oxo, halogen, OH, SH, COOH, COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl group,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group, (C₁-C₈)alkyl sulfide and (C₁-C₈)alkyl        substituted with at least one substituent selected from the        group consisting of H, OH, SH and halogen;    -   and salts thereof; wherein the composition is effective to        attract arthropods; or    -   (C) a composition comprising an effective amount of at least one        compound of formula I    -   wherein each X is independently H, halogen, OH, SH, oxo,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least one        substituent selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH and        halogen;    -   each Y is independently H, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl        substituted with at least one substituent selected from the        group consisting of H, OH, SH and halogen, or Y is absent when X        is oxo;    -   Z is H, OH, SH, COOH, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted        with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, OH, SH and halogen;    -   n is an integer between 1 and 10, inclusive;    -   and acceptable salts thereof;    -   and an effective amount of at least one compound from group II        wherein group II compounds include a ketone having 3-10 carbon        atoms, (C₂-C₁₀)alkene, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, an alcohol having 1-8        carbon atoms, a halogenated compound containing 1-8 carbon        atoms, a nitrite containing 2-4 carbon atoms, an ether        containing 3-10 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl        group, a sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group;    -   and salts thereof;    -   with the proviso that the compound of formula I does not consist        solely of glycolic acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid, hydraacrylic        acid, pyruvic acid, glyceric acid, 3-hydroxypyruvic acid,        malonic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-methyllactic acid,        2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-oxobutyric acid, isobutyric acid,        butyric acid, malic acid, 2-oxovaleric acid, 2-hydroxyvaleric        acid, 2-hydroxyvaleric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid,        2-methylvaleric acid, hexanoic acid, mereaptoacetic acid,        thiolactic acid,3-mercaptopropionic acid, thiopropionic acid,        3-mercaptopropionic acid, 2-bromopropionic acid, 2-bromobutyric        acid, 2-chloropropionic acid, 3-chloropropionic acid, lactic        acid or formic acid;    -   and salts thereof;        wherein the composition is effective to attract arthropods.

The present invention provides compositions that efficiently attractarthropods (e.g., mosquitoes). Accordingly there is provided acomposition

comprising an effective amount of at least one compound of formula I

-   -   wherein each X is independently H, halogen, OH, SH, oxo,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group;    -   each Y is independently H, (C₁-C₈)alkyl group,    -   Z is H, OH, SH, COOH, or (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl group;    -   n is an integer between 1 and 10, inclusive;    -   and salts thereof; and    -   an effective amount of at least one compound from group II        wherein group II compounds include a ketone having 3-10 carbon        atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₂-C₁₀)alkene, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, an        alcohol having 1-8 carbon atoms, a halogenated compound        containing 1-8 carbon atoms, a nitrile containing 2-4 carbon        atoms, an ether containing 3-10 carbon atoms, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl        group, a sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group;    -   wherein any one or more of the (C₆-C₁₀)aryl group or        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group may be substituted at any one or more        positions with a substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, oxo, halogen, OH, SH, COOH, COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl group,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group, (C₁-C₈)alkyl sulfide, (C₁-C₈)alkyl;        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group, and NR₁R₂ wherein R₁ and R₂ are each        independently selected from the group consisting of (C₁-C₈)alkyl        and H;    -   and salts thereof;    -   wherein the composition is effective to attract arthropods.

The present invention provides methods of attracting arthropods (e.g.,mosquitoes) comprising the step of exposing the environment with acomposition comprising an effective amount of a combination of:

-   -   (A) an effective amount of at least one compound of formula I    -   wherein each X is independently H, halogen, OH, SH, oxo,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group;    -   each Y is independently H, (C₁-C₈)alkyl group,    -   Z is H, OH, SH, COOH, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl group;    -   n is an integer between 1 and 10, inclusive;    -   and salts thereof; and    -   an effective amount of at least one compound from group I        wherein group II compounds include a ketone having 3-10 carbon        atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₂-C₁₀)alkene, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, an        alcohol having 1-8 carbon atoms, a halogenated compound        containing 1-8 carbon atoms, a nitrile containing 2-4 carbon        atoms, an ether containing 3-10 carbon atoms, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl        group, a sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group;    -   wherein any one or more of the (C₆-C₁₀)aryl group or        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group may be substituted at any one or more        positions with a substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, oxo, halogen, OH, SH, COOH, COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl group,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group, (C₁-C₈)alkyl sulfide, (C₁-C₈)alkyl;        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group, and NR₁R₂ wherein R₁ and R₂ are each        independently selected from the group consisting of (C₁-C₈)alkyl        and H;    -   and salts thereof; or    -   (B) a composition comprising an effective amount of tartaric        acid or an acceptable salt thereof; and    -   an effective amount of at least one compound from group II        wherein group II compounds include a ketone having 3-10 carbon        atoms, (C₂-C₁₀)alkene, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, an alcohol having 1-8        carbon atoms, a halogenated compound containing 1-8 carbon        atoms, a nitrile containing 2-4 carbon atoms, an ether        containing 3-10 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl        group, a sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group;    -   wherein any one or more of the (C₆-C₁₀)aryl group or        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group may be substituted at any one or more        positions with a substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, oxo, halogen, OH, SH, COOH, COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl group,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group, (C₁-C₈)alkyl sulfide, O—(C₁-C₈)alkyl;        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group, and NR₁R₂ wherein R₁ and R₂ are each        independently selected from the group consisting of (C₁-C₈)alkyl        and H;    -   and salts thereof;        wherein the composition is effective to attract arthropods; or    -   (C) a composition comprising an effective amount of at least one        compound of formula I    -   wherein each X is independently H, halogen, OH, SH, oxo,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least one        substituent selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH and        halogen;    -   each Y is independently H, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl        substituted with at least one substituent selected from the        group consisting of H, OH, SH and halogen, or Y is absent when X        is oxo;    -   Z is H, OH, SH, COOH, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted        with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, OH, SH and halogen;    -   n is an integer between 1 and 10, inclusive;    -   and acceptable salts thereof;    -   and an effective amount of at least one compound from group II        wherein group II compounds include a ketone having 3-10 carbon        atoms, (C₂-C₁₀)alkene, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, an alcohol having 1-8        carbon atoms, a halogenated compound containing 1-8 carbon        atoms, a nitrile containing 2-4 carbon atoms, an ether        containing 3-10 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl        group, a sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group;    -   and salts thereof;    -   with the proviso that the compound of formula I does not consist        solely of glycolic acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid, hydraacrylic        acid, pyruvic acid, glyceric acid, 3-hydroxypyruvic acid,        malonic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-methyllactic acid,        2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-oxobutyric acid, isobutyric acid,        butyric acid, malic acid, 2-oxovaleric acid, 2-hydroxyvaleric        acid, 2-hydroxyvaleric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid,        2-methylvaleric acid, hexanoic acid, mercaptoacetic acid,        thiolactic acid, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, thiopropionic acid,        3-mercaptopropionic acid, 2-bromopropionic acid, 2-bromobutyric        acid, 2-chloropropionic acid, 3-chloropropionic acid, lactic        acid or formic acid;    -   and salts thereof.

The present invention provides methods of attracting arthropods (e.g.,mosquitoes) comprising the step of exposing the environment with acomposition comprising an effective amount of a compound of formula I

-   -   wherein each X is independently H, halogen, OH, SH, oxo,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group;    -   each Y is independently H, (C₁-C₈)alkyl group,    -   Z is H, OH, SH, COOH, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl group;    -   n is an integer between 1 and 10, inclusive;    -   and salts thereof; and    -   an effective amount of at least one compound from group II        wherein group II compounds include a ketone having 3-10 carbon        atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₂-C₁₀)alkene, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, an        alcohol having 1-8 carbon atoms, a halogenated compound        containing 1-8 carbon atoms, a nitrile containing 2-4 carbon        atoms, an ether containing 3-10 carbon atoms, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl        group, a sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group;    -   wherein any one or more of the (C₆-C₁₀)aryl group or        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group may be substituted at any one or more        positions with a substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, oxo, halogen, OH, SH, COOH, COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl group,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group, (C₁-C₈)alkyl sulfide, O—(C₁-C₈)alkyl;        (C₁-C₈)alkyl group, and NR₁R₂ wherein R₁ and R₂ are each        independently selected from the group consisting of (C₁-C₈)alkyl        and H;    -   and salts thereof;    -   wherein the composition is effective to attract arthropods.

The present invention entails blends of compounds that have not beenpreviously combined, in either volume or composition for attractingmosquitoes. The novel combination of compounds of the present inventionserve as effective arthropod attractants. The novel compositions of thepresent invention may be more effective than humans as arthropodattractants.

It has surprisingly been discovered that the compositions of the presentinvention are effective in attracting arthropods, e.g., mosquitoes. Inaddition, it has surprisingly been discovered that compositions of thecompounds of formula I and the compounds of group II exhibit asynergistic effect in attracting arthropods, e.g., mosquitoes. Thissynergistic effect, in many cases, enables the compositions of thepresent invention to attract arthropods as well as, or better thanhumans. In addition, the compositions of the present invention obviatethe need, in many cases, for the use of carbon dioxide in arthropodtraps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following definitions are used, unless otherwise described: halo isfluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.

Alkyl, denotes both straight, cyclic and branched groups; but referenceto an individual radical such as “propyl” embraces only the straightchain radical, a branched chain isomer such as “isopropyl” beingspecifically referred to.

Aryl denotes a phenyl radical or an ortho-fused bicyclic carbocyclicradical having about nine to ten ring atoms in which at least one ringis aromatic.

Heterocyclic encompasses a radical attached via a ring carbon of amonocyclic ring containing five or six ring atoms consisting of carbonand one to four heteroatoms each selected from the group consisting ofnon-peroxide oxygen, sulfur, and N(X) wherein each X is absent (e.g.,—N═) or is H, O, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, as well as a radical ofan ortho-fused bicyclic heterocycle of about eight to ten ring atomsderived therefrom, particularly a benz-derivative or one derived byfusing a propylene, trimethylene, or tetramethylene diradical thereto.

As is well understood in the art, substitution of compounds and groupsmay be highly desirable for effecting either physical (e.g., volatility,melting point, softening point, viscosity, molecular weight and size,solubility, hydrophilicity, oleophilicity, and the like) or chemicalproperties. Where a substituent is referred to as a “group,” that termimplies that the compound may be substituted or not within the practiceof the present invention. Where the substituent is referred to as amoiety or without any qualification, no substitution is contemplated.For example, alkyl group is inclusive of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl,isopropyl, octyl, dodecyl, cyclohexyl, 1-chlorobutyl, 2-hydroxypentyl,4-cyanobutyl, and the like. On the other hand, and alkyl moiety or analkyl would include only such substituents as methyl, ethyl, propyl,butyl, isopropyl octyl, dodecyl, and cyclohexyl. Similarly, reference toa material as a compound having a central nucleus of a stated formulawould include any compound, with any substituent, which did not alterthe bond structure of the shown formula.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that compositions ofthe present invention will comprise one or more compounds that have oneor more chiral centers. Such compounds may exist and be isolated asoptically active and racemic forms. Some compounds may exhibitpolymorphism. It is to be understood that the present inventionencompasses any racemic, optically-active, polymorphic, orstereoisomeric form, or mixtures thereof, of a compound of theinvention, that possesses the useful properties described herein, itbeing well known in the art how to prepare optically active forms (forexample, by resolution of the racemic form by recrystallizationtechniques, by synthesis, from optically-active starting materials, bychiral synthesis, or by chromatographic separation using a chiralstationary phase) or using other tests which are well known in the art.

Specific and preferred values listed below for radicals, genera,chemicals, substituents, and ranges, are for illustration only and theydo not exclude other defined values or other values within definedranges for the radicals, genera, chemicals and substituents.

It is appreciated that “arthropod” is a member of the phylum Arthropoda,which is the largest phylum in the animal kingdom, comprising about 75%of all animals that have been described. The estimated number ofarthropod species is between 1,000,000 and 2,000,000. Arthropods vary insize from the microscopic mites to the giant decapod crustaceans.

The phylum Arthropoda includes many families of insects that are of amedical and veterinary importance, e.g., mosquitoes (Culicidae),blackflies (Simuliidae), sand flies (Phlebotominae), biting midges(Ceratopogonidae), horseflies (Tabanidae), tsetse flies (Glossinidae),stable flies and house flies (Muscidae), fleas (Siphonaptera), lice(Anoplura), triatomine bugs (Triatominae), soft ticks (Argasidae) andhard ticks (Ixodidae).

A specific Axthropoda is mosquitoes (Culicidae), blackflies(Simuliidae), sand flies (Phlebotominae), biting midges(Ceratopogonidae), horseflies (Tabanidae), tsetse flies (Glossinidae),stable flies and house flies (Muscidae), fleas (Siphonaptera), lice(Anoplura), triatomine bugs (Triatominae), soft ticks (Argasidae) andhard ticks (Ixodidae).

It is appreciated that “mosquito” can be any of the mosquitoes belongingto the suborder diptera known as Nematocera. This suborder includes thefamily Culicidae. The 3400 or so species of mosquitoes are arranged in38 genera. The Culicidae are divided into three subfamilies: theAnophelinae, including the well-known genus Anopheles, many species ofwhich are responsible for the transmission of malaria; theToxorhynchitinae, the large larvae of which eat other mosquito larva;and the Culicinae which, with about 2930 species in about 34 genera, aredivided into two tribes: the Culicini and the Sabethini. The Culcinemosquitoes include such well known genera as Culex, Aedes and Mansonia.The sebethene mosquitoes include Sabethes, Wyeomyia and Malaya.

A specific mosquitoe is the genera Culex, Aedes, Psorophora, Wyeomyia,Mansonia, Coquilletidia or Anopheles.

A specific arthropod is a mosquito belonging to the genera Culex, Aedes,Mansonia, Wyeomyia, Psorophora, Coquilletidia or Anopholes.

Another specific arthropod is Simulidae, Triatoninae, Siphonaptera,Tabanidae, Culicoides, Phlcobotomines, Muscidae, Glossinidae, Ixodidaeor Argasidae.

Specifically, (C₁-C₈)alkyl can include, for example, methyl, ethyl,propyl, isopropyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, pentyl, sec-pentyl,iso-pentyl, hexyl, sec-hexyl, iso-hexyl, heptyl, sec-heptyl, iso-hectyland octyl.

A specific (C₁-C₈)alkyl is methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl,iso-butyl, sec-butyl, pentyl, sec-pentyl or hexyl. Another specific(C₁-C₈)alkyl is methyl. Another specific (C₁-C₈)alkyl is ethyl. Anotherspecific (C₁-C₈)alkyl is propyl.

Specifically (C₆-C₁₀)aryl, for example, can be a central nucleuscomprising phenyl, indenyl or naphthyl.

A specific (C₆-C₁₀)aryl is phenyl.

(C₆-C₁₀)aryl may optionally be substituted at any one or more positionswith a substituent selected from the group consisting of H; oxo;halogen; OH; SH; COOH; COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl; (C₁-C₈)alkyl; (C₁-C₈)alkylsulfide; NR₁R₂ wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from H and(C₁-C₆)alkyl; and (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least one substituentselected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH and halogen.

In one specific embodiment, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl is substituted with CH₃ and OH.In another specific embodiment, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl is substituted with CH₃. Inanother embodiment, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl is substituted with OH. In anotherembodiment, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl is substituted with NH₂.

Another specific (C₆-C₁₀)aryl is p-cresol, benzonitrile, phenol ortoluene. Another specific (C₆-C₁₀)aryl is p-cresol. Another specific(C₆-C₁₀)aryl is benzonitrile. Another specific (C₆-C₁₀)aryl is phenol.Another specific (C₆-C₁₀)aryl is toluene

(C₃-C₁₀)heterocycle may be substituted at any one or more positions witha substituent selected from the group consisting of H, oxo, halogen, OH,SH, COOH, COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₁-C₈)alkyl sulfide and(C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from thegroup consisting of H, OH, SH and halogen.

In one embodiment, (C₃-C₁₀)heterocycle is substituted with CH₃.

A specific (C₃-C₁₀)heterocycle is furan, azole, dioxane, thiophene,thiazole or triazole.

A specific (C₃-C₁₀)heterocycle is furan.

Specifically, X is H, halogen, OH, SH, oxo, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or(C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least one substituent selected from thegroup consisting of H, OH, SH and halogen.

A specific X is H. Another specific X is halogen. Another specific X isOH. Another specific X is SH. Another specific X is oxo. Anotherspecific X is (C₁-C₈)alkyl. Another specific X is (C₁-C₈)alkylsubstituted with at least one substituent selected from the groupconsisting of H, OH, SH and halogen. Another specific X is CH₃.

Specifically, Y is H, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with atleast one substituent selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SHand halogen, or Y is absent when X is oxo.

A specific Y is H. Another specific Y is (C₁-C₈)alkyl. Another specificY is (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least one substituent selectedfrom the group consisting of H, OH, SH and halogen. Another specific Yis Y being absent.

Specifically, Z is H, OH, SH, COOH, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkylsubstituted with at least one substituent selected from the groupconsisting of H, OH, SH and halogen.

A specific Z is H. Another specific Z is OH. Another specific Z is SH.Another specific Z is COOH. Another specific Z is (C₁-C₈)alkyl. Anotherspecific Z is (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least one substituentselected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH and halogen.

Specifically, n is an integer between 1 and 10, inclusive.

A specific value for n is 1. Another specific value for n is 2. Anotherspecific value for n is 3. Another specific value for n is 4. Anotherspecific value for n is 5. Another specific value for n is 6. Anotherspecific value for n is 7. Another specific value for n is 8. Anotherspecific value for n is 9. Another specific value for n is 10.

The volatile component of skin extracts or hair extracts is the washingsof skin or the washings of the shavings of hair, each blended withacetone or another suitable solvent. Although such washings of humanskin or hair are not novel, the use of hair, saved hair or skin from anappropriate device not employing a shave cream can be mixed, orsuspended in a suitable solvent as means to extract and releasecompounds attractive to arthropods. Many of the compounds found on hairare present due to skin oils, and in fact, shavings consist of both hairand dead skin cells. The same volatiles identified in Bernier, Ph.D.dissertation, University of Florida, 1995; and Bernier, et al.,Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 71, No. 1, Jan. 1, 1999 are present on thehair and dead skin cells.

Compounds of formula I will contain at least one carboxylic acid group.Particular carboxylic acids for use in the present invention includelactic acid, glycolic acid, thiolactic acid and tartaric acid.

A specific compound of formula I is lactic acid. Another specificcompound of formula I is glycolic acid. Another specific compound offormula I is thiolactic acid. Another specific compound of formula I istartaric acid.

The chain lengths on the alkyl groups in formula I, particularly thoseinclusive of the alcohols and ketones, are important because of the needfor effective levels of volatility for the individual and mixedcompounds of the compositions of the invention. If significantly highermolecular weight ketones (e.g., greater than or equal to ten carbonatoms) or significantly higher molecular weight alcohols were used, thecompounds and their mixtures would have reduced volatility and would notbe effective, particularly over a wide area, as the compounds would notvolatilize in sufficient amounts to be effective attractants over asignificantly wide area. Thus, it is not likely that the highermolecular weight compounds will exhibit a synergistic effect becauseonly one compound will be relatively volatile.

A specific compound of formula I is tartaric acid or an acceptable saltthereof In such embodiment, the present invention is a compositioncomprising a combination of tartaric acid or an acceptable salt thereof;and at least one compound from group II wherein group II compoundsinclude a ketone having 3-10 carbon atoms, (C₂-C₁₀)alkene,(C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, carbon dioxide, an alcohol having 1-8 carbon atoms, ahalogenated compound containing 1-8 carbon atoms, a nitrile containing2-4 carbon atoms, an ether containing 3-10 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide,(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, a sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and(C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic;

-   -   wherein any one or more of the (C₆-C₁₀)aryl or        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic may be substituted at any one or more        positions with a substituent selected from the group consisting        of H; oxo; halogen; OH; SH; COOH; COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl; (C₁-C₈)alkyl;        (C₁-C₈)alkyl sulfide; (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least one        substituent selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH and        halogen; and NR₁R₂ wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently selected        from the group consisting of H and (C₁-C₈)alkyl;    -   and salts thereof (as defined for Group I, above).

In another embodiment, the present invention is a composition comprisingan effective amount of a combination of at least one compound of

formula I

-   -   wherein each X is independently H, halogen, OH, SH, oxo,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least one        substituent selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH and        halogen;    -   each Y is independently H, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl        substituted with at least one substituent selected from the        group consisting of H, OH, SH and halogen, or Y is absent when X        is oxo;    -   Z is H, OH, SH, COOH, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted        with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, OH, SH and halogen;    -   n is an integer between 1 and 10, inclusive;    -   and salts thereof (as defined for Group I, above);    -   and an effective amount of at least one compound from group II        wherein group II compounds include a ketone having 3-10 carbon        atoms, (C₂-C₁₀)alkene, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, an alcohol having 1-8        carbon atoms, a halogenated compound containing 1-8 carbon        atoms, a nitrile containing 2-4 carbon atoms, an ether        containing 3-10 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl, a        sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic;    -   wherein any one or more of the (C₆-C₁₀)aryl or        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic may be substituted at any one or more        positions with a substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, oxo, halogen, OH, SH, COOH, COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₁-C₈)alkyl,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl sulfide and (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least        one substituent selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH        and halogen;    -   and salts thereof (as defined for Group I, above);    -   with the proviso that the compound of formula I does not consist        solely of glycolic acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid, hydraacrylic        acid, pyruvic acid, glyceric acid, 3-hydroxypyruvic acid,        malonic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-methyllactic acid,        2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-oxobutyric acid, isobutyric acid,        butyric acid, malic acid, 2-oxovaleric acid, 2-hydroxyvaleric        acid, 2-hydroxyvaleric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid,        2-methylvaleric acid, hexanoic acid, mercaptoacetic acid,        thiolactic acid, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, thiopropionic acid,        3-mercaptopropionic acid, 2-bromopropionic acid, 2-bromobutyric        acid, 2-chloropropionic acid, 3-chloropropionic acid, lactic        acid or formic acid;    -   and salts thereof (as defined for Group I, above);    -   wherein the composition is effective to attract mosquitoes.

In the above embodiment, the compound of formula I includes one or more(e.g., 1, 2, or 3) compounds selected from the group consisting ofglycolic acid; oxalic acid; acetic acid; hydraacrylic acid; pyruvicacid; glyceric acid; 3-hydroxypyruvic acid; malonic acid;3-hydroxybutyric acid; 2-methyllactic acid; 2-hydroxybutyric acid;2-oxobutyric acid; isobutyric acid; butyric acid; malic acid;2-oxovaleric acid; 2-hydroxyvaleric acid; 2-hydroxyvaleric acid; valericacid; isovaleric acid; 2-methylvaleric acid; hexanoic acid;mercaptoacetic acid; thiolactic acid; 3-mercaptopropionic acid;thiopropionic acid; 3-mercaptopropionic acid; 2-bromopropionic acid;2-bromobutyric acid;. 2-chloropropionic acid; 3-chloropropionic acid;lactic acid and formic acid, in addition to one or more (e.g., 1, 2, or3) compounds of formula I. It is appreciated that the compound offormula I may comprise two or more distinct compounds. In addition, one(or more) of the two or more distinct compounds of formula I may be oneof the above-identified compounds. Moreover, any combination of theabove-identified compounds is acceptable.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compositioncomprising an effective amount of a combination of at least one compoundof formula I

-   -   wherein each X is independently H, halogen, OH, SH, oxo,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least one        substituent selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH and        halogen;    -   each Y is independently H, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl        substituted with at least one substituent selected from the        group consisting of H, OH, SH and halogen, or Y is absent when X        is oxo;    -   Z is H, OH, SH, COOH, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted        with at least one substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, OH, SH and halogen;    -   n is an integer between 1 and 10, inclusive;    -   and salts thereof (as defined for Group I, above);    -   and an effective amount of at least one compound from group II        wherein group II compounds include a ketone having 3-10 carbon        atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₂-C₁₀)alkene, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, an        alcohol having 1-8 carbon atoms, a halogenated compound        containing 1-8 carbon atoms, a nitrile containing 2-4 carbon        atoms, an ether containing 3-10 carbon atoms, (C₆-C₁₀)aryl, a        sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic;    -   wherein any one or more of the (C₆-C₁₀)aryl or        (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic may be substituted at any one or more        positions with a substituent selected from the group consisting        of H, oxo, halogen, OH, SH, COOH, COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₁-C₈)alkyl,        (C₁-C₈)alkyl sulfide and (C₁-C₈)alkyl substituted with at least        one substituent selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH        and halogen;    -   and salts thereof (as defined for Group I, above);        wherein the composition is effective to attract mosquitoes.

Specifically, “ketone” is any compound containing one or more —C(C═O)C—groups. Particular ketones for use in the present invention will havebetween 3-10 carbon atoms, inclusive. More specifically, ketone can beacetone, butanone, 2-pentanone, 2-hexanone, 2-heptanone, 3-pentanone,3-hexanone, 3-heptanone, 4-heptanone, 5-nonanone, 3-methyl-2-butanone,4-methyl-2-pentanone, 3-penten-2-one, 3-buten-2-one,3-hydroxy-2-butanone, 2, 3-butanedione or 2,4-pentanedione.

A specific ketone is acetone. Another specific ketone is butanone.Another specific ketone is 2-pentanone. Another specific ketone is2-hexanone. Another specific ketone is 2-heptanone. Another specificketone is 3-pentanone. Another specific ketone is 3-hexanone. Anotherspecific ketone is 3-heptanone. Another specific ketone is 4-heptanone.Another specific ketone is 5-nonanone. Another specific ketone is3-methyl-2-butanone. Another specific ketone is 4-methyl-2-pentanone.Another specific ketone is 3-penten-2-one. Another specific ketone is3-buten-2-one. Another specific ketone is 3-hydroxy-2-butanone. Anotherspecific ketone is 2,3-butanedione. Another specific ketone is2,4-pentanedione.

Specifically, “alkene” is any compound containing at least one C═Cgroup. Particular alkenes for use in the present invention containbetween 2 and 10 carbon atoms, inclusive. Particular alkenes for use inthe present invention include aliphatic or cyclic alkenes. In addition,particular alkenes for use in the present invention include linear orbranched alkenes. Particular alkenes for use in the present inventioninclude isoprene, 1-heptene, 1-octene and 1-nonene.

A specific alkene is isoprene. Another specific alkene is 1-heptene.Another specific alkene is 1-octene. Another specific alkene is1-nonene.

Specifically, “alcohol” is any compound containing at least one C(OH)group. Particular alcohols for use in the present invention will havebetween 1 and 8 carbon atoms, inclusive. Particular alcohols for use inthe present invention may be aliphatic or cyclic alcohols. Particularalcohols for use in the present invention may be branched or straightchained alcohols. Particular alcohols for use in the present inventioninclude methanol, ethanol, 1-hepten-3-ol and 1-octen-3-ol.

A specific alcohol is methanol. Another specific alcohol is ethanol.Another specific alcohol is 1-hepten-3-ol. Another specific alcohol is1-octen-3-ol.

Specifically, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde is a compound containing at least oneC(═O)H group and between 1 and 10 carbon atoms, inclusive. Particularaldehydes for use in the present invention include formaldehyde,acetaldehyde, butyraldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, nonanal and benzaldehyde.

A specific aldehyde is formaldehyde. Another specific aldehyde isacetaldehyde. Another specific aldehyde is butyraldehyde. Anotherspecific aldehyde is isobutyraldehyde. Another specific aldehyde isnonanal. Another specific aldehyde is benzaldehyde.

Specifically, “halogenated compound” is any compound containing at leastone C—X group wherein X is a halogen atom. The halogen may be fluorine,chlorine, bromine or iodine. It should be noted that one or more halogenatoms may be present in the halogenated compound. Particular halogenatedcompounds for use in the present invention include halogenated(C₁-C₈)alkyl such as methylene chloride, chloroform, carbontetrachloride and bromoform.

A specific halogenated compound is methylene chloride. Another specifichalogenated compound is chloroform. Another specific halogenatedcompound is carbon tetrachloride. Another specific halogenated compoundis bromoform.

Specifically, “nitrite” is any compound containing at least one CNgroup. Particular nitrites for use in the present invention includeacetonitrile, benzonitrile and phenylacetionitrile.

A specific nitrite is acetonitrile. Another specific nitrite isbenzonitrile. Another specific nitrite is phenylacetonitrile.

Specifically, “ether” is any compound containing a C—O—C group.Particular ethers for use in the present invention will have between 3and 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, particularly aliphatic compounds.

A specific ether is diethyl ether.

Specifically, “carbon dioxide” is represented by the formula CO₂. Thecarbon dioxide used in the present invention may exist as a gas or asolid. Carbon dioxide will normally exist as a gas at standardtemperature and pressure. However, the carbon dioxide may be solidcarbon dioxide, i.e., dry ice, in which case the carbon dioxide willsublime and eventually enter into the atmosphere as a gas.Alternatively, carbon dioxide may be delivered directly or indirectlyfrom a cylinder or similar dispensing device. In such a case, the flowof carbon dioxide used may be monitored. As such, dry ice may be addedto the other chemicals or carbon dioxide may be bubbled into the otherchemicals from a carbon dioxide source. It should be noted that bothforms of carbon dioxide are equally effective. However, cost andconvenience may necessitate that one form be used to the exclusion ofthe other.

Specifically, “sulfide” is any compound containing at least one C—Sgroup. Particular sulfides for use in the present invention will containbetween 1 and 10 carbon atoms, inclusive and between 1 and 3 sulfuratoms, inclusive. Particular aliphatic sulfides for use in the presentinvention include carbon disulfide, dimethyl sulfide, diethyl sulfide,dimethyl disulfide, diethyl disulfide, methyl propyl disulfide, ethylvinyl sulfide, dimethyl sulfoxide and dimethyl trisulfide.

A specific sulfide is carbon disulfide. Another specific sulfide isdimethyl sulfide. Another specific sulfide is diethyl sulfide. Anotherspecific sulfide is dimethyl disulfide. Another specific sulfide isdiethyl disulfide. Another specific sulfide is methyl propyl disulfide.Another specific sulfide is dimethyl trisulfide. Another specificsulfide is ethyl vinyl sulfide. Another specific sulfide is dimethylsulfoxide.

Specifically, “oxo” is C(═O).

In one embodiment, a composition of the present invention comprises acompound of formula I and comprises a compound of group II.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a composition comprises acompound of formula I, wherein a compound of formula I is lactic acidand the composition comprises at least three compounds of group II,which are acetone, carbon dioxide and dimethyl sulfide.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that suitable compositions areformed by combining the compound or compounds of formula I with thecompound or compounds of group II. The order of addition should noteffect the activity of the resulting composition. However, cost andconvenience may necessitate certain compounds be added in a certainorder. It was found that convenience and cost dictated that any gasesemployed be added to other gases or liquids. Additionally, any solidsemployed should be added to liquids. The resulting mixtures were usedwithout further preparation, although mixing is optional for eachmixture developed.

In cases where compounds are sufficiently basic or acidic to form stablenontoxic acid or base salts, use of the compounds as salts may beappropriate. Examples of acceptable salts are organic acid additionsalts formed with acids which form an acceptable anion, for example,tosylate, methanesulfonate, acetate, citrate, malonate, tartarate,succinate, benzoate, ascorbate, α-ketoglutarate, and α-glycerophosphate.Particular inorganic salts of the present invention may also be formed,including hydrochloride, sulfate, nitrate, bicarbonate, and carbonatesalts.

Acceptable salts may be obtained using standard procedures well known inthe art, for example by reacting a sufficiently basic compound such asan amine with a suitable acid affording a physiologically acceptableanion. Alkali metal (for example, sodium, potassium or lithium) oralkaline earth metal (for example, calcium) salts of carboxylic acidscan also be made.

Specifically, “environment” is the surrounding land, air or water (orany combination thereof). The environment (i.e., surrounding area) maycontain arthropods (e.g., mosquitoes, biting midges, etc) such that aneffective amount of the composition will attract a significant portionof the arthropods from the environment.

Alternatively, the environment will not contain a significant amount ofarthropods such that an effective amount of the composition will ensurethat the composition will attract a significant portion of thearthropods subsequently existing in the environment, from theenvironment. In such an embodiment, the compositions of the presentinvention will prophylactically remove arthropods from the environment.

The compositions of the present invention may be added, in any form, toa commercial or home-made trap to enhance the collection of thearthropod. The composition may diffuse out or away from the trap with orwithout a gas stream (e.g., air, carbon dioxide, etc.) as a carrier.

As used herein, a trap is a device that ensnares an arthropod. Effectivetraps include those disclosed in Example 10, Table 10. Suitable trapsare commercially available from American Biophysics, East Greenwich,R.I.; Bio Quip Products, Gardena, Calif.; John W. Hock Company,Gainesville, Fla.; and Bio Sensory, Inc., Windham Mills TechnologyCenter, Wilimatic, Conn.

The compositions of the present invention may be delivered in vials orother sample containers. The compositions may exist as the chemical orchemicals of formula I in one vial or container, and the chemical orchemicals of the compound of group II in another separate vial orcontainer. Alternatively, the composition may be blended togetherwherein the chemical or chemicals of formula I and the chemical orchemicals of the compound of group II may be blended together in onevial. The compositions, whether present in one or two vials, mayoptionally include a means of a controlled release.

The compositions of the present invention may be delivered in the gasphase, such as by a compressed cylinder. In addition, the compositionexisting in the gas phase, may optionally be mixed or unmixed with aninert carrier gas.

The efficacy of the compositions of the present invention in attractingarthropods, may be further enhanced by adding one or more of thechemical compositions of skin washings or hair washings as disclosed inBernier, Ph.D. dissertation, University of Florida, 1995 or Bernier, etal., Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 71, No. 1, Jan. 1, 1999.

The efficacy of the compositions of the present invention in attractingarthropods, may be further enhanced by adding one or more of light, heatand moisture.

It is appreciated that those skilled in the art recognize that thecompositions of the present invention include one or compounds of theformula I and one or more compounds of group II compounds. The compoundor compounds of formula I may comprise about 1% to about 99%, by weight,of the total composition. In addition, the compound or compounds of thegroup II compounds may comprise about 1% to about 99% of the totalcomposition, by weight.

Effective amounts or ratios of each compound forming the resultingcomposition as well as effective amounts of the resulting compositionwill depend upon the individual compound or compounds of formula I andthe individual compound or compounds of group II. The amount ofcomposition required for use will vary not only with the particularcompounds selected but also with factors such as type of arthropod,weather conditions, the geographical area to be covered and the desiredlength of time in which the insects are to be attracted.

All chemicals used were purchased commercially from, e.g., Aldrich &Fluka Chemical, Milwaukee, Wis., and Lancaster Synthesis, Windham, N.H.

All publications and patents are incorporated by reference herein, asthough individually incorporated by reference, as long as they are notinconsistent with the present disclosure. The invention is not limitedto the exact details shown and described, for it should be understoodthat many variations and modifications may be made while remainingwithin the spirit and scope of the invention defined by the claims.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limitingExamples, wherein unless otherwise specified, the tests were conductedwith approximately 75 6-8 day old nulliparous female Aedes aegypti. Thetests were conducted in an olfactometer (55 ft³/min airflow, 80° F., 60%R.H.) as described by Posey, J. Med. Entomol., 35, 330-334 (1998); andLA is lactic acid. Mosquitoes were allowed to settle at least one hourprior to testing. The olfactometer was cleaned after each battery oftests. Each battery consisted of three tests, conducted at 08:30, 11:00and 13:00 hours local time. Each of the three tests was conducted in aseparate cage. The control consisted of identical sample deliverydevices and conditions compared to that of the treatment side. Both thetreatment and control ports were opened and closed simultaneously wheninserting a new treatment/control.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Table 1 illustrates the effectiveness (in percentage caught of 75 femalemosquitos) of lactic acid alone and of acetone alone as attractants forAedes aegypti. It was shown that 200 μL lactic acid alone attracted anaverage of 26% of the mosquitoes. It was also shown that 500 μL acetonealone, evaporated from a 60 mm diameter glass petri dish, attracted anaverage of 51% of the mosquitoes. TABLE 1 Compounds Screened in theOlfactometer L-lactic acid response (%) with 200 μL of a 1 μg/1 μLmethanolic solution, dried 3 minutes in a petri dish: 25 31 57 12 23 29 5 27 7 7 7 14 36 26 28 52 31 44 60  4 20 22 25 29 15 24 26 25 19  8 1627 48 64 23 14 22 25 25 20 13 14 21 23 52 40 17 31 36 25  9 LA Avg:1303/51 = 26%, n = 51 trials Acetone response (%) at 500 μL, plated on asmall petri dish: 51 48 53 51 Acetone Avg: 203/4 = 51%, n = 4 trials

Example 2

Table 2 illustrates the effectiveness of several classes of compounds(e.g., ketones, carboxylic acids, alcohols, halogenated compounds,aldehydes, alkenes, nitrites, heterocyclic, sulfides, ethers, etc.) asattractants for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In addition, Table 2 alsoillustrates the synergistic effectiveness of these compounds with lacticacid as attractants for mosquitoes. TABLE 2 Results of screening forcompounds (high dose of 500 μL) with a mode of action similar to acetoneare below. These compounds are also called “activators” or “activator 2”compounds where the number designation of activator denotes that thosechemicals elicit different behaviors (e.g., probing, flight pattern) inattraction. Italicized numbers represent values or, when present,average values that capture greater than 50% of mosquitoes. (CK = checkor control port): Response Δ [(Resp with LA) − Compound/CLASS (%)Response with L-LA (%) Resp] (%) carbon dioxide 5 ml/min 68 KETONES:acetone 51 48 53 51 87 87 86 95 85 90 37 (51%) 92 75 86 84 88 70 82 9688 96 88 81 95 97 97 93 95 90 82 80 95 (88%) 2-butanone 28 81 532-pentanone  8 76 64 2-hexanone  3 51 48 2-heptanone 17 42 25 2-octanone 8 16 8 2-nonanone  8 12 4 2-decanone 14 24 10 3-pentanone 12 28 163-hexanone  1 39 38 3-heptanone 12 36 24 3-nonanone  4  9 5 4-heptanone12 32 20 5-nonanone 14 47 33 1-penten-3-one 19 23 4 3-penten-2-one 11 4938 3-buten-2-one 31 *61 in CK 39 *51 in CK 8 2,3-butanedione 37 29 −83-methyl-2-butanone  8 82 74 3-methyl-2-pentanone  8  9 12-methyl-3-pentanone  1  9 8 4-methyl-2-pentanone  0 64 646-methyl-5-hepten-2-one  9 16 27 3-hydroxy-2-butanone 11 35 24acetophenone  9 46 37 CARBOXYLIC ACIDS: propanoic acid  3  1 −2ALCOHOLS: methanol 10 66 56 ethanol  9 57 48 p-cresol  5 32 271-hepten-3-ol 10 15 5 HALOGENATED: methylene chloride 87 70 90 −7chloroform 24 76 52 carbon tetrachloride 92 92 0 bromoform 27 64 37ALDEHYDES: formaldehyde (37%)  1  5 4 acetaldehyde  8 29 21butyraldehyde  6  7 1 isobutyraldehyde 13 32 19 nonanal 11 10 22 21 10benzaldehyde  9 21 12 ALKANES/ALKENES/ HYDROCARBONS: isoprene 12 23 111-heptene  5 19 14 1-octene 38 42 4 1-nonene  6  8 2 toluene  7 59 52NITRILES: acetonitrile 27 81 54 benzonitrile  4 48 42 phenylacetonitrile16 63 47 HETEROCYCLIC/FURANS: 2-methylfuran 15 *30 in CK 52 37 SULFIDES:carbon disulfide 82 89 7 dimethyl sulfide 32 79 47 diethyl sulfide 15 5439 ethyl vinyl sulfide 18 55 37 dimethyl disulfide 36 86 50 diethyldisulfide 33 49 16 methyl propyl disulfide 19 40 21 dimethyl trisulfide21 67 46 dimethyl sulfoxide  3 30 27 ETHERS: diethyl ether 25 56 31

Example 3

Table 3 illustrates the effectiveness of analogues of lactic acid asattractants for mosquitoes. In addition, Table 3 illustrates thesynergistic effectiveness of these compounds with acetone as attractantsfor mosquitoes. TABLE 3 Results of screening for compounds with a modeof action similar to lactic acid are below (also called “base” compoundsfor “base attractants”): Δ [(Resp with Response with Ace) − Resp]Compound Response (%) Ace (%) (%) L-lactic acid 26 88 62 (see above)(see above) D-lactic acid 8 82 74 glycolic acid 17 81 81 64 tartaricacid 9 67 58 thiolactic acid 4 68 64 3-hydroxy-2-butanone 9 57 48butanal 6 7 1 isoprene 12 56 44 1-heptene 4 34 30 1-octene 38 63 251-nonene 6 54 48Ace = acetone

Example 4

Table 4 illustrates the effectiveness of humans for attracting Aedesaegypti mosquitoes. Data were collected from September 1997-June 1998.TABLE 4 Human subjects tested in the olfactometer (raw data, %attraction): D. Kline 72 83 74 85 78 81 68 86 Avg: 78% K. Posey 70 67 5579 78 Avg: 70% U. Bernier 83 63 68 55 Avg: 67%

Example 5

Table 5 illustrates the effectiveness of several compositions asattractants for mosquitoes. TABLE 5 Various mixtures and items examined,and described containers: 9-spot well plates with <10 μL pure L-LA + 95%500 μL acetone LA + acetone (four 8.9 mm diam. caps) 95% Dish: LA +chloroform Cap: 90:10 95% Dish: LA + CS₂ + chloroform; 94% Cap to 20 mlscintillation vial: 90/10 LA + acetone (two 8.9 mm diam. caps) 94% LA +acetone + 100 μL methylene chloride 93% LA + acetone + ethanol 92% LA +acetone (one 8.9 mm diam. cap) − 92% max 400 μL acetone per cap LA + 300μL 1-octene + acetone 92%, 89% 500 μL acetone (dish 1) + 200 μg LA (dish2) 91% 500 μL (75:25) + 200 μg LA 90% LA + acetone + 2-butanone 89% LA +acetone + 100 μL CS₂ 89% LA + isoprene (8.9 mm diam. cap) 88% LA +acetone + 50 μL 3-pentanone 88% 500 μL (90:10) acetone/dmds + 200 μg LA88% 9-spot well plate with equal amounts of AM1 components + 88% LA LA +75:25 + acetonitrile 87% Dish: LA + CS₂ Cap: 90:10 87% 9-spot well platewith LA (wet) + acetone 86% 266 ng glycolic acid + 1 ml acetone 86% 500μL AM1 + 200 μg LA 85% 9-spot well plates with LA (wet) + 2 wellsacetone 83% LA + acetone + 100 μL butanone 80% 500 μL (50:50) + 200 μgLA 79% LA + acetone + 100 μL acetonitrile 78% 9-spot well plates with 10μL thiolactic acid + 73% 2 wells acetone D. Kline 4-day old worn sock71% LA + 2-octanone + acetone 68% 500 μL AM1 47% 266 μg glycolic acid +LA dried 3 min 45% LA + 5-nonanone + acetone 44% Acetonitrile + tartaricacid 41% 500 μL (90% acetone + 10% dimethyl disulfide) 35% 500 μL(75:25) acetone/dmds 33% 500 μL (50:50) acetone/dmds 24% 1-hepten-3-ol 7%90:10, 75:25, and 50:50 refer to the ratio of acetone to dimethyldisulfide in the mixture.LA = lactic acidThe default treatment for LA is 200 μg and for other chemicals, it is500 μL of the compound, unless specified otherwise.The scintillation vial cap (1W) has an inner diameter of 13.5 mm. Theblack autosampler (1B) vial caps have an inner diameter of 8.9 mm andcan hold approximately 400 μL of liquid.AM1 = attractant mixture 1 is formulated as follows: 100 ml acetone, 700μL butanone, 5 μL 3-methyl-2-butanone, 10 μL 2-pentanone, 300 μL carbondisulfide, 10 μL dimethyl sulfide, 10 μL dimethyl disulfide, and 500 μLacetonitrile.

Example 6

Table 6 illustrates the average values for the effectiveness of severalcompounds and combinations of compounds as attractants for Aedesaegypti. These data were obtained from formal screenings and formalrandomized tests. TABLE 6 Average Values for Compounds and CompositionsTested for Attraction of Aedes aegypti Response Number Base DoseActivator1 Dose Activator 2 Dose Avg % of Tests LA 600 Acetone 500 96.9%LA 50 W Acetone 1 B 96.4% LA 20 W Acetone 1 B 94.9% LA 50 W DimethylDisulfide 1 W 93.3% LA 200 W 1,1,1-Trichloroethane 4 B 92.5% LA 200Carbon Tetrachloride 500 92.0% LA 400 Acetone 1000 91.8% n = 3 CarbonTetrachloride 500 91.5% LA 600 Acetone 1000 91.1% n = 2 LA 100 W Acetone1 W 91.0% LA 50 W Methylene Chloride 1 I 90.8% LA 200 Acetone 500Nitrogen 50 90.3% LA 200 W Acetone 500 90.2% LA 200 Acetone 375 DimethylDisulfide 125 90.0% LA 400 Acetone 500 89.5% n = 3 LA 10 W Acetone 1 B89.4% n = 2 LA support Acetone 1500 89.3% n = 2 LA 200 Acetone 1 W 89.2%LA 200 Carbon Disulfide 500 89.0% Glycolic Acid crys Acetone 1 B 88.5%LA 200 Acetone 450 Dimethyl Disulfide 50 88.0% LA 100 W Acetone 2 B87.7% LA 50 uL W Acetone 2 B Pyruvic Acid 50 uL W 87.7% LA 200 Acetone500 87.6% n = 8 LA 10 W Acetone 1 W 87.4% LA 200 W Carbon Tetrachloride1 B 87.0% Methylene Chloride 500 87.0% LA 100 W Acetone 4 B 86.6% LA 50W Dimethyl Disulfide 1 B 86.6% LA 50 W Methylene Chloride 1 W 86.5% LA200 W Carbon Dioxide 40 mL/min 86.0% n = 3 LA 2 W Acetone 1 W 85.9% LA200 Dimethyl Disulfide 500 85.5% LA 200 W Trichloroethylene 4 B 85.5% LA400 W Acetone 4 B 85.1% LA 200 AM1 500 85.0% LA 200 Acetone 1000 84.9% n= 26 LA 50 W Carbon Disulfide 1 B 84.7% LA 200 W Methylene Chloride 4 B83.7% n = 3 LA 100 W Acetone 1 B 83.3% n = 2 LA 50 W Carbon Disulfide 1W 82.9% LA 50 W Methylene Chloride 1 B 82.7% D-LA 200 Acetone 500 82.4%LA 200 3-Methyl-2-Butanone 500 82.0% LA 200 Acetone 500 Glycolic Acid266 82.0% Carbon Disulfide 500 82.0% LA 400 W Acetone 2 B 81.6% LA 2 WMethylene Chloride 1 W 81.3% LA 200 W Dimethoxymethane 1 B 81.1%Glycolic Acid 266 Acetone 500 81.0% LA 200 Acetonitrile 500 81.0% LA 200Butanone 500 81.0% LA 200 W Butanone 2 B 80.7% n = 3 Methylene Chloride1 W 79.8% n = 2 Hand-L DK 79.5% n = 5 LA 2 W Acetone 1 B 79.2% LA 200Acetone 250 Dimethyl Disulfide 250 79.0% LA 200 Dimethyl suflide 50079.0% 3-Hydroxy-2- 500 Acetone 500 78.0% Butanone LA 200 W Acetone 4 B77.6% n = 13 LA 200 W Methylene Chloride 1 B 76.8% n = 79 LA 200 WTrichloroacetonitrile 1 B 76.8% LA 50 uL W Acetone 4 B Pyruvic Acid 50uL W 76.7% Hand-L KP 76.6% n = 4 LA 200 W Chloroform 1 B 76.3% n = 4 LA200 W Dimethyl Disulfide 1 W 76.3% n = 3 LA 200 W Isoprene 4 B 76.3% n =3 LA 200 W Dimethyl Disulfide 1 B 76.1% n = 80 LA 200 2-Pentanone 50076.0% LA 200 Chloroform 500 76.0% LA 200 W Methylene Chloride 1000 75.9%n = 3 LA 200 W Acetone 1 W 75.0% n = 108 LA 200 W Thiophene 1 B 74.6%Hand-L UB 72.6% n = 25 LA 200 W Tetrachloroethylene 4 B 72.1% LA 200 WChloroform 2 B 71.4% n = 4 LA 200 W Chloroform 4 B 70.7% n = 3 LA 200Methylene Chloride 500 70.0% LA 200 W Acetone 1 B 69.6% n = 32 LA 400 WAcetone 1 B 69.4% Hand-R KP 69.2% n = 5 LA 200 W Acetone 2 B 68.6% n =12 LA 200 W 2-Hexanone 1 B 68.0% LA 200 W Methylene Chloride 2 B 68.0% n= 3 Thiolactic 100 uL Acetone 500 68.0% Acid LA 2 W Dimethyl Disulfide 1W 67.2% LA 200 Dimethyl Trisulfide 500 67.0% Tartaric Acid 180 Acetone500 67.0% LA 200 W Isoprene 1 B 66.8% n = 5 LA 200 W Butanone 1 B 66.2%n = 4 LA 200 W Butanone 4 B 66.1% n = 3 LA 200 CO2 0.5 mL/min Air 50mL/min 66.0% n = 2 LA 200 MeOH 500 66.0% LA 50 W Acetone 1 I DimethylDisulfide 1 I 64.9% LA 200 W Carbon Disulfide 2 B 64.8% n = 3 LA 2004-Methyl-2-Pentanone 500 64.0% LA 200 Bromoform 500 64.0% LA 200 WAcetone 1 I Glycolic Acid crys-W 63.9% LA 2 W Methylene Chloride 1 I63.5% LA 50 W Acetone 1 I 63.3% LA Phenylacetonitrile 500 63.0% Acetone500 1-Octene 500 63.0% LA 200 W Dimethyl Disulfide 2 B 62.3% n = 3 LA 2W Methylene Chloride 1 B 62.3% LA 50 W Dimethyl Disulfide 1 I CarbonDisulfide 1 I 61.4% LA 2 W Acetone 1 I 61.3% LA 10 W Methylene Chloride1 I 61.2% LA 200 W 1,1,2-Trichloroethane 4 B 59.1% LA 200 Toluene 50059.0% Methylene Chloride 58.9% LA 200 W Carbon Disulfide 1 B 58.8% n = 4LA 200 W Isoprene 1 B 2-Hexanone 1 B 58.0% LA 2 W Dimethyl Disulfide 1 I57.0% LA 100 W Acetone 1 I 56.8% Pyruvic Acid 50 uL Acetone 4 B 56.7%Acetone 500 Nitrogen 50 56.5% LA 200 W Carbon Disulfide 4 B 56.2% n = 4LA 200 W Acetone 90:10 1 B Dimethyl Disulfide 10:90 1 B 56.0% LA 200Diethyl Ether 500 56.0% Acetone 500 Isoprene 500 56.0% Acetone 500 55.8%n = 3 LA 200 Ethanol 500 55.0% LA 200 Ethylvinyl Sulfide 500 55.0%Methylene Chloride 4 B 54.3% n = 3 LA 50 W Acetone 2 I 54.2% LA 100 W54.1% LA 200 Diethyl Sulfide 500 54.0% LA 50 W Acetone 1 I CarbonDisulfide 1 I 53.2% LA 200 W Furfuryl Alcohol 1 B 52.8% LA 200 WDimethyl Disulfide 4 B 52.7% n = 3 Chloroform 2 B 52.6% n = 3 LA 200 WPhorone 1 B 52.2% LA 200 2-Methylfuran 500 52.0% LA 200 W6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-one 1 B 52.0% LA 200 W Acetone 8 I 52.0% LA 2002-Hexanone 500 51.0% LA 200 3-Penten-2-one 500 49.0% LA 200 DiethylDisulfide 500 49.0% LA 200 W Acetone 2 I 48.0% LA 200 Benzonitrile 50048.0% LA 200 5-Nonanone 500 47.0% LA 200 W Acetone 4 I 47.0% n = 2 AM1500 47.0% LA 200 Acetophenone 500 46.0% LA 200 Linalool 500 46.0%Dimethyl Disulfide 1 W 46.0% n = 2 Methylene Chloride 2 B 46.0% n = 3 LA200 W 2,3-Butanedione 1 B 45.8% n = 4 LA 10 W Dimethyl Disulfide 1 I45.2% LA 200 W Acetone 1 B 2,3-Butanedione 1 B 45.0% LA 200 GlycolicAcid 266 45.0% LA 200 W Dimethoxymethane 1 I 44.4% LA 200 W MethylButyrate 1 B 43.1% LA 200 W Acetone 1 I 43.0% LA 50 W Carbon Disulfide 1I 42.7% LA 200 1-Octene 500 42.0% LA 200 2-Heptanone 500 42.0% LA 200 WDimethyl Trisulfide 1 B 41.0% Tartaric Acid 180 Acetonitrile 500 41.0%LA 200 W Isoprene 2 B 40.5% n = 4 Chloroform 4 B 40.2% n = 3 LA 200 W3-Buten-2-one 1 B 40.0% LA 200 Methylpropyl Disulfide 500 40.0% LA 50 WAcetone 3 I 39.1% DL-Mandelic Acid crys Acetone 500 39.0% LA 2003-Buten-2-one 500 39.0% LA 200 3-Hexanone 500 39.0% LA 200 W 3-Pentanone1 B 39.0% Chloroform 1 B 39.0% n = 3 Acetone 4 B 38.3% n = 8 1-Octene500 38.0% 2,3-Butanedione 500 37.0% LA 200 W 1-Methylpyrrole 1 B 36.8%2,3-Butanedione 2 B 36.3% n = 3 Methylene Chloride 1 B 36.3% n = 79 LA200 3-Heptanone 500 36.0% LA 200 W 3-Hexanone 1 B 36.0% DimethylDisulfide 500 36.0% LA 10 W Acetone 1 I 35.2% n = 2 LA 2003-Hydroxy-2-Butanone 500 35.0% Acetone 450 Dimethyl Disulfide 50 35.0%Acetone 1 W 34.6% n = 54 LA 2 W Dimethyl Disulfide 1 B 33.8% CarbonDisulfide 4 B 33.2% n = 4 Acetone 375 Dimethyl Disulfide 125 33.0%Diethyl Disulfide 500 33.0% LA 200 FC43 500 32.3% Butanone 2 B 32.1% n =3 LA 200 4-Heptanone 500 32.0% LA 200 Isobutanal 500 32.0% LA 200p-Cresol 500 32.0% Dimethyl Sulfide 500 32.0% Linalool 500 32.0% LA 2001,1,3-Trichloroacetone 500 31.7% 3-Buten-2-one 500 31.0% Pyruvic Acid 50uL 30.7% LA 200 Dimethylsulfoxide 500 30.0% LA 200 2,3-Butanedione 50029.0% LA 200 Acetaldehyde 500 29.0% LA 200 W Acetaldehyde 1 B 29.0% LA200 W Acetonitrile 4 B 29.0% n = 3 Dimethoxymethane 1 I 29.0%2,3-Butanedione 1 B 28.7% n = 3 LA 200 3-Pentanone 500 28.0% Butanone500 28.0% Furfuryl Alcohol 500 28.0% LA 50 W Dimethyl Disulfide 1 I27.6% Acetone 1 B 27.2% n = 26 LA 200 6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-one 500 27.0%LA 200 27.0% n = 54 Acetonitrile 500 27.0% Bromoform 500 27.0% Acetone 2B 26.9% n = 6 Methyl Butyrate 500 26.8% Butanone 4 B 25.9% n = 3Glycolic Acid crys-W 25.3% LA 200 W Acetonitrile 2 B 25.0% n = 3 DiethylEther 500 25.0% LA 200 W 2,3-Butanedione 2 B 24.0% n = 3 LA 2002-Decanone 500 24.0% Acetone 250 Dimethyl Disulfide 250 24.0% Chloroform500 24.0% Glycolic Acid crys-W Acetone 1 I 23.8% LA 200 1-Penten-3-one500 23.0% LA 200 Isoprene 500 23.0% 2,3-Butanedione 4 B 23.0% n = 3Thiourea crys Acetone 1 W 22.6% Dimethyl Disulfide 1 B 22.4% n = 80 LA200 W 2,3-Butanedione 4 B 22.0% n = 3 LA 200 Nonanal 500 21.5% n = 2Carbon Disulfide 1 B 21.5% n = 3 Acetone 1 I 21.4% LA 200 Benzaldehyde500 21.0% Dimethyl Trisulfide 500 21.0% Dimethoxymethane 1 B 20.3%Indole 500 mg Acetone 500 20.0% LA 200 W 3,4-Hexanedione 4 B 20.0% LA200 W 3-Penten-2-one 1 B 20.0% LA 200 1-Heptene 500 19.0% 1-Penten-3-one500 19.0% Methylpropyl Disulfide 500 19.0% LA 50 uL W Pyruvic Acid 50 uLW 18.9% LA 200 W Acetonitrile 1 B 18.8% n = 4 Carbon Disulfide 2 B 18.4%n = 4 D-LA 200 18.1% Ethylvinyl Sulfide 500 18.0% Methyl Butyrate 1 B17.1% Glycolic Acid 266 17.0% LA 200 W 2,3-Hexanedione 4 B 17.0%2-Heptanone 500 17.0% 4-Heptanone 500 17.0% Acetone 500 Propanoic acid500 17.0% LA 2 W 16.8% n = 3 LA 200 W 5-Methyl-2-Hexanone 1 B 16.4%Dimethyl Disulfide 4 B 16.3% n = 3 LA 200 W Glycolic Acid crys-W 16.2%Isoprene 2 B 16.1% n = 3 LA 200 2-Octanone 500 16.0% Phenylacetonitrile500 16.0% LA 200 W 15.8% n = 195 2-Methylfuran 500 15.0% Diethyl Sulfide500 15.0% Dimethyl Disulfide 2 B 14.7% n = 3 2-Decanone 500 14.0%5-Nonanone 500 14.0% Isoprene 4 B 13.6% n = 3 2-Amino- 500 mg Acetone500 13.2% pyridine LA 200 W 1-Penten-3-one 1 B 13.0% Isobutanal 50013.0% LA 200 2-Nonanone 500 12.0% LA 200 W Isobutanal 1 B 12.0%3-Heptanone 500 12.0% 3-Pentanone 500 12.0% Isoprene 500 12.0% Isoprene1 B 11.8% n = 3 3-Hydroxy-2- 500 11.0% Butanone 3-Penten-2-one 500 11.0%Nonanal 500 11.0% Methylene Chloride 1 I 10.1% LA 200 W5-Methyl-3-hexen-2-one 1 B 10.0% MeOH 500 10.0% Nonanal 500 10.0%DL-Malic Acid crys Acetone 1 W  9.3% Butanone 1 B  9.3% n = 4 LA 2002-Methyl-3-Pentanone 500  9.0% LA 200 3-Methyl-2-Pentanone 500  9.0% LA200 3-Nonanone 500  9.0% Tartaric Acid 180  9.0% 6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-one500  9.0% Acetophenone 500  9.0% Benzaldehyde 500  9.0% Ethanol 500 9.0% Acetonitrile 4 B  8.7% n = 3 1,4-Diaminobutane 1 B  8.6% LA 200 W6-Methyl-3,5-Heptadien-2- 1 B  8.2% one Dimethyl Disulfide 1 I  8.1% LA200 1-Nonene 500  8.0% 2-Nonanone 500  8.0% 2-Octanone 500  8.0%2-Pentanone 500  8.0% 3-Methyl-2-Butanone 500  8.0% 3-Methyl-2-Pentanone500  8.0% Acetaldehyde 500  8.0% LA 200 Butanal 500  7.0% Acetone 500Butanal 500  7.0% Toluene 500  7.0% Succinic Acid crys Acetone 1 W  6.9%LA 200 W 4-Hexen-3-one 1 B  6.7% 1-Nonene 500  6.0% Butanal 500  6.0%Furfuryl Alcohol 1 B  5.4% LA 200 Formaldehyde 500  5.0% 1-Heptene 500 5.0% p-Cresol 500  5.0% Glyoxylic 100 uL Acetone 1 W  4.9% Acid LA 200W 1-Octen-3-one 1 B  4.6% Thiolactic Acid 100 uL  4.0% 3-Nonanone 500 4.0% Benzonitrile 500  4.0% CO2 0.5  4.0% LA 200 W 4-Decanone 1 B  3.2%2-Hexanone 500  3.0% Dimethylsulfoxide 500  3.0% Propanoic acid 500 3.0% Acetone 1 I  2.9% LA 200 W 2-Methyl-3-Octanone 1 B  2.5%Acetonitrile 2 B  2.3% n = 3 LA 200 W Diethyl Phthalate 1 B  1.5% LA 200W 1,4-Diaminobutane 1 B  1.4% LA 200 W Butanal 1 B  1.0% LA 200Propanoic acid 500  1.0% 2-Methyl-3-Pentanone 500  1.0% 3-Hexanone 500 1.0% Acetonitrile 1 B  1.0% n = 3 Formaldehyde 500  1.0% LA 200 WE-3-Nonen-2-one 1 B  0.0% 4-Methyl-2-Pentanone 500  0.0%W = White Cap, ˜1200 uL volume, B = Black Cap, ˜400 uL volume, butomission rate determined by exposed surface area, temperature, andchemical# volatility. I = Insert, ˜225 uL volume. Numerical # Doses have Unitsof ug for solids or uL for liquids-Numerical Entries without letterdesignation indicate experiments in a # 60 mL glass petri dish. Doseswithout units are typically μg for bases and μL for activators. Crysdenotes a solid with # 500 μg-2 mg sample mess. Data compiled only from“formal” screen tests and experiments with randomized design.

Example 7

TABLE 7 Compounds and Compositions Tested for Attraction of Aedesalbopictus Treatment % caught Glycolic Acid Crys./CO2 5 mL/min 65.8DLK-R Sock, 1 day old 64.4 DLK-L Hand/CO2 (5 mL/min) 60.6 LA 200 μg/CO25 mL/min 57.5 DLK-L Hand 55.6 LA 200 μg/Glycolic Crys./CO2 5 mL/min 50.6DLK-L Hand 49.3 DLK-L Hand 45.8 LA 200 μg/CO2 5 mL/min 45.2 LA 200μg/CS2 1B/CO2 5 mL/min 44.9 LA 200 μg/CO2 5 mL/min 42.7 LA 200μg/Acetone 1B/CO2 5 mL/min 40.3 LA 200 μg/DMDS 1B/CO2 5 mL/min 36.9 LA200 μg/CC14 1B/CO2 5 mL/min 35.1 CO2 5 mL/min 34.6 LA 200 μg/CS2 500 μLDish 33.8 LA 200 μg/Chloroform 1B 33.8 LA 200 μg/2,3-Butanedione1B/MeC12 1B 33.3 LA 200 μg/MeC12 1B/CO2 5 mL/min 32.9 LA 200 μg/CC141B/MeC12 1B 32.9 CO2 5 mL/min 32.0 CO2 5 mL/min (water immersed) 29.2DL-Mandelic Acid Crys./Thiophene 1B 27.8 LA 200 μg/2,3-Butanedione 5001B 27.6 LA 200 μg/Thiophene 1B 27.0 Glycolic Acid Crys./Thiophene 1B26.8 LA 200 μg/Acetone 1B/CO2 5 mL/min 24.1 CO2 5 mL/min 23.0 LA 200μg/CS2 1B/MeC12 1B 22.7 LA 200 μg/CS2 1B/MeC12 1B 22.2 LA 200 μg/MeC12500 μL Dish 19.4 LA 200 μg/DMDS 1B/CO2 5 mL/min 16.2 LA 200 μg/Thiophene500 μL Dish 15.7 LA 200 μg/Acetophenone 1B 15.1 Mushrooms from DLK Yard13.7 Garlic clove 13.7 LA 200 μg/Phenylacetonitrile 1B 12.5 LA 200μg/Ethylvinyl Sulfide 1B 12.5 LA 200 μg/CS2 1B/2,3-Butanedione 1B 12.0LA 200 μg/CC14 1B 12.0 LA 200 μg/Diethyl Sulfide 1B 11.9 LA 200 μg 11.7LA 200 μg/Benzaldehyde 1B 11.6 LA 200 μg/Acetone 500 μL Dish 11.1 CO2 5mL/min 11.1 LA 200 μg/Ethyl Acetate 1B 10.8 3-Hydroxy-2-Butanone1B/Thiophene 1B 10.8 Glyoxylic Acid 1 mL Dish/Thiophene 1B 10.4 CO2 5mL/min (water immersed) 9.7 LA 200 μg/2,3-Butanedione 1B/CO2 5 mL/min9.5 Acetone 500 μL Dish 9.1 CS2 500 μL Dish/MeC12 500 μL Dish 8.9 LA 200μg 8.3 LA 200 μg/Isoprene 1B 8.1 LA 200 μg/2,3-Butanedione 500 μL Dish8.1 Mixture F1 1B 7.6 LA 200 μg/Thiourea Crys. Dish 7.6 LA 200μg/Benzonitrile 1B 7.6 LA 200 μg/CS2 1B 7.1 LA 200μg/1,1,2-Trichloroethane 1B 7.0 Limburger Cheese (European) 6.8 LA 200μg/1-Octen-3-ol 1B 6.8 DL-Malic Acid Crys./Thiophene 1B 6.8 CO2 5 mL/min6.8 1,4-Diaminobutane 1B 6.8 LA 200 μg/Nitromethane 1B 6.6 LA 200μg/Pyrazine 1B 6.4 LA 200 μg/2-Nonanone 1B 6.4 LA 200 μg/3-Nonanone 1B6.3 LA 200 μg/2-Hexanone 1B 6.3 LA 200 μg/4-Hexen-3-one 1B 5.5 MixtureF2 1B/Butanal 1B/CS2 1B 5.3 LA 200 μg/Methylbutyrate 1B 5.3 Mixture F21B/Butanol 1B/CS2 1B 5.1 LA 200 μg/CS2 1B/DMDS 1B/Acet 1B 4.7 LA 200μg/1-Butanol 1B 4.6 Pyruvic 1B/Thiophene 1B 4.5 LA 200 μg/2-Methylfuran1B 4.2 LA 200 μg/2,3-Hexanedione 1B 4.2 LA 200 μg/1-Nonanal 1B 4.2 LA200 μg/Nonanal 500 μL Dish 4.1 LA 200 μg/3-Methyl-2-Pentaone 1B 3.9 LA200 μg/2-Pentanone 1B 3.9 LA 200 μg/2-Decanone 1B 3.8 LA 200μg/4-Heptanone 1B 3.7 LA 200 μg/1-Methylpiperazine 1B 3.7 LA 200 μg/CS21B/DMDS 1B 3.5 LA 200 μg/50:50 Acetone:DMDS 1B 2.7 LA 200μg/3-Methyl-2-Butanone 1B 2.7 LA 200 μg/3-Buten-2-one 1B 2.7 LA 200μg/2-Octanone 1B 2.7 LA 200 μg/Diethyl Disulfide 1B 2.6 LA 200μg/Acetonitrile 1B 2.6 LA 200 μg/6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-one 1B 2.6 LA 200μg/DMDS 500 μL Dish 2.4 LA 200 μg/Toluene 1B 1.5 LA 200 μg/MethylpropylDisulfide 1B 1.4 LA 200 μg/3-Heptanone 1B 1.4 LA 200μg/2-Methyl-3-Pentanone 1B 1.4 LA 200 μg/2-Heptanone 1B 1.4 LA 200μg/2,4-Pentanedione 1B 1.4 CO2 5 mL/min (water immersed) 1.4 LA 200μg/Butanal 1B 1.3 LA 200 μg/5-Nonanone 1B 1.3 LA 200 μg/1-Hexen-3-ol 1B1.3 LA 200 μg/1,4-Diaminobutane 1.3 LA 200 μg/Thiolactic Acid 1B 0.0 LA200 μg/3,4-Hexanedione 1B 0.0Key to abbreviations in Table: LA = L-Lactic Acid, CS2 = CarbonDisulfide, MeC12 = Methylene Chloride = Dichloromethane, DMDS = DimethylDisulfide, CC14 = Carbon Tetrachloride, Crys. = Crystalline Solid, 1B =1 Black cap of approx. 400 mL volume, DLK = Dan Kline, -L = left hand orleft sock, -R = right hand or right sock

Example 8

TABLE 8 Compounds and Compositions Tested for Attraction of Anophelesalbimanus Treatment % caught LA 200 μg/MeC12 500 μL dish 97.4 DMDS 500μL 97.3 LA 200 μg/DMDS 500 μL dish 92.5 LA 200 μg/MeC12 1B 92.0 DimethylTrisulfide 500 μL 91.8 LA 200 μg/Acetone 500 μL dish 91.7 LA 200μg/Acetone 500 μL dish 89.9 LA 200 μg/Acetone 500 μL dish 83.04-Hexen-3-one 500 μL 79.2 Chloroform 500 μL 78.7 LA 200 μg/MeC12 1B 77.6MeC12 500 μL 75.7 CC14 500 μL 74.0 Dimethyl Sulfide 500 μL 68.4Thiophene 500 μL 68.0 Trichloroacetonitrile 500 μL 65.31,1,2-Trichloroethane 500 μL 64.4 MeC12 1B 64.4 MeC12 1B 63.0 LA 200μg/Thiophene 1B 62.7 1,1,1-Trichloroethane 500 μL 61.0 LA 200 μg/MeC121B 58.7 Trichloroethylene 500 μL 57.9 LA 200 μg/Acetone 500 μL dish 57.0CS2 500 μL 56.0 Methylbutyrate 500 μL 55.8 3-Pentanone 500 μL 53.9Phorone 500 μL 50.6 DMDS 1B 49.3 LA 200 μg/MeC12 1B 48.6 Butanone 500 μL47.9 Furfuryl Alcohol 500 μL 46.7 3-Buten-2-one 500 μL 45.2 LA 200μg/DMDS 1B 44.7 LA 200 μg/CS2 1B 42.7 Ethanethiol 500 μL 40.0 LA 200μg/Chloroform 1B 39.5 DMDS 1B/Thiophene 1B 37.8 2-Methylfuran 500 μL35.5 Benzaldehyde 500 μL 35.5 2-Methyl-3-Heptanone 500 μL 34.7 DiethylSulfide 500 μL 33.3 LA 200 μg/Dimethyl Sulfide 1B 32.4 LA 200 μg/CC14 1B32.0 DMDS 1B 31.5 2-Methyl-3-Octanone 500 μL 30.1 Acetone 500 μL 29.6p-Cresol 500 μL 29.5 1-Penten-3-one 500 μL 29.3 Pyrazine 500 μL 29.32-Octanone 500 μL 28.6 Ethyl Acetate 500 μL 28.4 Mesityl Oxide 500 μL28.4 DMDS 1B 28.0 DMDS 1B 27.4 2-Nonanone 500 μL 27.0 LA 200 μg/DMDS 1B26.9 F1 Mixture 500 μL 26.4 6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-one 500 μL 26.0 Butanone1B/Thiophene 1B 26.0 Ethylvinyl Sulfide 500 μL 25.4 3-Octanone 500 μL25.0 3-Methyl-2-Butanone 500 μL 24.4 1-Octen-3-ol 500 μL 24.01-Propanethiol 500 μL 24.0 Butanone 1B/DMDS 1B 22.7 Nitromethane 500 μL22.1 LA 200 μg/5-Nonanone 1B 21.1 2-Thiopropane 500 μL 20.5 DMDS 1B 20.52,4-Pentanedione 500 μL 19.4 2,6-Dimethyl-4-Heptanone 500 μL 18.76-Methyl-3,5-Heptadien-2-one 500 μL 18.7 3,4-Hexanedione1B/Methylbutyrate 1B 17.9 Nitromethane 500 μL 17.3 Tetrachloroethylene500 μL 17.3 3-Methyl-2-Pentanone 500 μL 17.1 LA 200 μg/3-Buten-2-one 1B17.1 LA 200 μg/Butanone 1B 16.0 3-Nonanone 500 μL 15.8 LA 200μg/2-Thiopropane 1B 15.8 LA 200 μg/4-Hexen-3-one 1B 14.7 Toluene 500 μL13.5 Isophorone 500 μL 13.3 LA 200 μg/Acetone 1B 13.3 LA 200μg/2-Methylfuran 1B 13.0 5-Nonanone 500 μL 12.7 Methylpropyl Disulfide500 μL 12.3 Acetone 1B 12.2 4-Hexen-3-one 1B/Thiophene 1B 12.0 LA 200μg/1-Methylpyrrole 1B 12.0 LA 200 μg/p-Cresol 1B 12.05-Methyl-3-Hexen-2-one 500 μL 11.8 5-Methyl-2-Hexanone 500 μL 11.73-Heptanone 500 μL 11.3 2-Pentanone 500 μL 10.8 1-Methylpyrrole 500 μL10.7 5-Methyl-3-Hexen-2-one 500 μL 10.7 Acetone 1B 10.7 DMDS1B/4-Hexen-3-one 1B 10.7 t-3-Nonen-2-one 500 μL 10.7 3,4-Hexanedione 500μL 10.5 2-Heptanone 500 μL 10.4 LA 200 μg/Acetone 1B 10.4 3-Decanone 500μL 9.3 LA 200 μg/Acetone 1B 9.3 LA 200 μg/3-Nonanone 1B 9.2 LA 200μg/Acetone 1B 9.1 2,4-Pentanedione 500 μL 9.0 LA 200 μg/Benzonitrile 1B8.9 3-Hexanone 500 μL 8.3 Butanone 1B/4-Hexen-3-one 1B 8.1 LA 200μg/2-Decanone 1B 8.1 4-Heptanone 500 μL 8.0 Acetophenone 500 μL 7.9 LA200 μg/Benzaldehyde 1B 7.9 4-Decanone 500 μL 7.8 LA 200 μg/2-Nonanone 1B6.7 Methyl Urea Crys dish 6.5 1,1,3-Trichloroacetone 500 μL 5.62-Methyl-3-Pentanone 500 μL 5.3 LA 200 μg/2-Heptanone 1B 5.3 LA 200μg/Ethyl Acetate 1B 5.3 Methylbutyrate 1B/5-Methyl-3-Hexen-2-one 1B 5.3DMDS 1B 5.2 2-Hexanone 500 μL 4.3 2-Undecanone 500 μL 4.2 1-Nonanol 500μL 4.1 LA 200 μg/Ethylvinyl Sulfide 1B 4:1 2-Decanone 500 μL 4.0 LA 200μg/2-Pentanone 1B 4.0 LA 200 μg/3-Pentanone 1B 4.0 LA 200 μg/Acetone 1B4.0 LA 200 μg/Acetophenone 1B 4.0 LA 200 μg/Allyl Disulfide 1B 4.0Methylbutyrate 1B/Furfuryl Alcohol 1B 4.0 6-Undecanone 500 μL 3.9 LA 200μg/3-Heptanone 1B 3.9 Benzonitrile 500 μL 3.8 LA 200 μg/2-Octanone 1B3.8 Diethyl Disulfide 500 μL 2.8 2,3-Hexanedione 500 μL 2.7 Acetic Acid500 μL 2.7 LA 200 μg/4-Heptanone 1B 2.7 LA 200 μg/Diethyl Sulfide 1B 2.7LA 200 μg/DMSO 1B 2.7 Pentane 500 μL 2.7 Thiourea Crys dish 2.71-Tetradecene 500 μL 1.4 2,3-Butanedione 500 μL 1.4 2-Dodecanone 500 μL1.4 3,4-Hexanedione 500 μL 1.4 LA 200 μg 1.4 LA 200μg/4-Methyl-2-Pentanone 1B 1.4 Pyruvic Acid 500 μL 1.41-Methylpiperazine 500 μL 1.3 2-Tridecanone 500 μL 1.33-Hydroxy-2-Butanone 500 μL 1.3 4-Methyl-2-Pentanone 500 μL 1.3 Butanal500 μL 1.3 Glutaric Acid Crys dish 1.3 Glycolic Acid Crys dish 1.3Glyoxylic Acid 500 μL 1.3 Indole 500 μL 1.3 LA 200 μg 1.3 LA 200μg/3-Hydroxy-2-Butanone 1B 1.3 LA 200 μg/Diethyl Disulfide 1B 1.3 LA 200μg/Methylpropyl Disulfide 1B 1.3 LA 400 μg dish 1.3 Laurie Acid 500 μL1.3 Phenylacetonitrile 500 μL 1.3 2-Aminopyridine 500 μL 0.0Acetonylacetone 500 μL 0.0 Allyl Disulfide 500 μL 0.0 DL-Malic Acid Crysdish 0.0 DL-Mandelic Acid Crys dish 0.0 DMSO 500 μL 0.0 Formic Acid 500μL 0.0 Isoprene 500 μL 0.0 LA 200 μg 0.0 LA 200 μg/2-Hexanone 1B 0.0 LA200 μg/2-Methyl-3-Pentanone 1B 0.0 LA 200 μg/3-Hexanone 1B 0.0 LA 200μg/3-Methyl-2-Butanone 1B 0.0 LA 200 μg/3-Methyl-2-Pentanone 1B 0.0 LA200 μg/Phenylacetonitile 1B 0.0 LA 200 μg/Toluene 1B 0.0 Succinic AcidCrys dish 0.0 Thiolactic Acid 500 μL 0.0

Example 9

TABLE 9 Formulation and Verification of the Best Blend (Note: ˜10:1Acetone:DMDS emission rate) 200 μg L-lactic acid (1w)  8% vs. 200 μgL-lactic acid (1w) + 61% Acetone (3B) Acetone (3B) 12% vs. 200 μgL-lactic acid (1w) + 59% Acetone (3B) 200 μg L-lactic acid (1w) 28% vs.200 μg L-lactic acid (1w) + 47% + Acetone (3B) Acetone (3B) + DMDS (1B)200 μg L-lactic acid (1w) 42% vs. 200 μg L-lactic acid (1w) + 54%* +Acetone (B) Acetone (1B) + DMDS (1I)*Notes:overall, 95.2% mosquitoes trapped, ˜30 μL in DMDS (dimethyl disulfide)insert, giving emission of ˜100:1 Acetone:DMDS.

Example 10

TABLE 10 Types of Traps Bed nets Bates type stable traps Cylindricallard can traps No. 10 Trinidad trap Trueman & McIver ramp trap Plexiglastrap Katô's dry ice trap DeFoliant & Morris conical trap Malaise trapCarbon dioxide light traps Fay-Prince carbon dioxide trap Sticky trapNew Jersey light trap ACIS trap (Army Collapsible Insect Surveillance)CDC light trap Kimsey & Chaniotis trap EVS light trap Monk's Wood lighttrap U.S. Army solid state light trap (AMSS) Pfuntner light trap Starbeam sticky light trap Cylindrical light trap Updraft light traps“Nozawa” trap “AS” trap UV light trap Flashing light trap Non-electricallight trap Haufe & Burgess trap Fay-Prince trap Wilton & Kloter cylindertrap Duplex cone trap Ikeshoji cylinder sound trap Ikeshoji & Ogawa cuptrap Kanda et al. cylinder and lantern traps Heat traps Sugar-baseattraction traps

The synergistic attractant compositions of the present invention may beprovided by any number of mechanisms and in different formatsappropriate to particular types of usage. The main function of theformats and mechanisms is to provide release of the attractant over aperiod of time sufficient to attract arthropods (e.g., mosquitoes)effectively, and especially to attract arthropods effectively to anavailable source of arthropod control material (e.g., insecticide,pheromone, microbial agent) which is effective against mosquitoes, andthe like, as described above.

The compositions of the present invention may or may not comprise carbondioxide. In the embodiment of the present invention wherein thecomposition does not comprise carbon dioxide, an additional benefit ofthe present invention is attained. In such an embodiment,highly-efficient, attractive blends for arthropod traps that do notrequire carbon dioxide are obtained.

An additional benefit of the compositions of the present inventioninclude the obviation for live baits.

The mechanisms and formats will, of course, vary among the variouscompositions depending on the volatility, persistence, aerial stability,moisture sensitivity, and the like of the individual ingredients andcompositions. Moisture, heat and light may optionally be added to thecompounds of the present invention to enhance efficiency. The structuresused to release the attractant compositions of the present inventioncould be as simple as a tray carrying the composition, a housed tray orother container carrying the compositions, timed release canisters orspray cans, absorbent materials retarding the release of the attractant(e.g., fabric, paper, porous material, foam, absorbent polymer, superabsorbent polymer [e.g., the super absorbent acrylic polymers asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,364], containers with semipermeablemembranes, vented containers, and the like). The materials which wouldmore actively attack the arthropods may be associated with theattractant (in a mixture) or may be located near the attractants so thechemicals do not adversely interact or react.

In addition, combining the compositions of the present invention with aninsecticide provides a means of local extermination, not requiringwide-disbursement of the insecticide. Addition of a slow releasechemical mechanism, such as paraffin, or other suitable viscous chemical(e.g., glycerol) provides a means to reduce the evaporation rates of thecompositions.

References

-   1. Saini et al., “A Behavioural Bioassay to Identify Attractive    Odours for Glossinidae”, (Medical and Veterinary Entomology, (1987),    Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 313-18), STN/CAS online, file Medline, Abstract.-   2. Mihok et al., “Trials of Traps and Attractants for Stomoxys spp.    Diptera: Muscidae”, (Journal of Medical Entomology, (1995) Vol. 32,    No. 3, pp. 28.3-89). STM/CAS online, file BIOSIS, Abstract.-   3. Voskamp et al., “Olfactory Responses to Attractants and    Repellants in Tsetse”, (Medical and Veterinary Entomology, (1999)    Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 386-92), STN/CAS online, file BIOSIS, Abstract.-   4. Laye et al., “Chemical, Microbiological and Sensory Properties of    Plain Nonfat Yogurt”, (1993), (Journal of Food Science, Vol. 58, No.    5, pp. 991-95.)-   5. Granata et al., “Improved Acid, Flavor and Volatile Compound    Production in a High Protein and Fiber Soymilk Yogurt-like Product”,    (1996), (Journal of Food Science, Vol. 61, No. 2, pp. 331-36.)-   6. Hosono et al., “Metabolism of Brevibacterium Linens and Its    Application.” (Rakuno Kagaku No Kenkyu(1969), Vol. 18, No. 6, pp.    A164-A169), STN/CAS online, file CAPLUS, Abstract.)-   7. Hansen et al., “Flavour of Sourdough Rye Bread Crumb”, (1989),    Lebensm.-Wiss.u.-Technol., Bol. 22, pp. 141-144.)-   8. Smith et al., (L-lactic Acid as a Factor in the Attraction of    Aedes Aegyptic (Diptera: Culicidae) to Human Hosts, Ann. Entomol.    Soc. Amer. (1970), Vol. 63, No.3, pp. 760-70.)

1. A composition comprising: (A) an effective amount of at least onecompound of formula 1

wherein each X is independently H, halogen, OH, SH, oxo, (C₁-C₈) alkylgroup; each Y is independently H, (C₁-C₈) alkyl group, Z is H, OH, SH,COOH, or (C₁-C₈) alkyl group; n is an integer between 1 and 10,inclusive; and salts thereof; and an effective amount of at least onecompound of group II wherein group II compounds include a ketone having3-10 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₂-C₁₀) alkene, (C₁-C₁₀) aldehyde,an alcohol having 1-8 carbon atoms, a halogenated compound containing1-8 carbon atoms, a nitrile containing 2-4 carbon atoms, an ethercontaining 3-10 carbon atoms, (C₆-C₁₀) aryl group, a sulfide containing1-8 carbon atoms and (C₃-C₁₀)heterocyclic group; wherein any one or moreof the (C₆-C₁₀) aryl group or (C₃-C₁₀) heterocyclic group may besubstituted at any one or more positions with a substituent selectedfrom the group consisting of H, oxo, halogen, OH, SH, COOH, COO(C₁-C₈)alkyl group, (C₁-C₈) alkyl sufide and (C₁-C₈) alkyl group; and saltsthereof; wherein the composition is effective to attract arthropods; or(B) a composition comprising an effective amount of tartaric acid or anacceptable salt thereof; and an effective amount of at least onecompound from group II wherein group II compounds include a ketonehaving 3-10 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide, (C₂-C₁₀) alkene, (C₁-C₁₀)aldehyde, an alcohol having 1-8 carbon atoms, a halogenated compoundcontaining 1-8 carbon atoms, a nitrile containing 2-4 carbon atoms, anether containing 3-10 carbon atoms, (C₆-C₁₀) aryl group, a sulfidecontaining 1-8 carbon atoms and (C₃-C₁₀)heterolcyclic group; wherein anyone or more of the (C₆-C₁₀) aryl group or (C₃-C₁₀) heterocyclic groupmay be substituted at any one or more positions with a substituentselected from the group consisting of H, oxo, halogen, OH, SH, COOH,COO(C₁-C₈) alkyl group, C₁-C₈) alkyl sufide and (C₁-C₈) alkyl group; andsalts thereof; wherein the composition is effective to attractarthropods; or (C) a composition comprising an effective amount of atleast one

compound of formula I wherein each X is independently H, halogen, OH,SH, oxo, (C₁-C₈) alkyl, or (C₁-C₈) alkyl substituted with at least onesubstituent selected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH, andhalogen, or Y is absent when X is oxo; Z is H, OH, SH, COOH, (C₁-C₈)alkyl, or (C₁-C₈) alkyl substituted with at least one substituentselected from the group consisting of H, OH, SH, and halogen; n is aninteger between 1 and 10, inclusive; and acceptable salt thereof; and aneffective amount of at least one compound from group II wherein group IIcompounds include a ketone having 3-10 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide,(C₂-C₁₀) alkene, (C₁-C₁₀) aldehyde, an alcohol having 1-8 carbon atoms,a halogenated compound containing 1-8 carbon atoms, a nitrile containing2-4 carbon atoms, an ether containing 3-10 carbon atoms, (C₆-C₁₀) arylgroup, a sulfide containing 1-8 carbon atoms and (C₃-C₁₀)heterolcyclicgroup; and salts thereof; with the proviso that the compound of formulaI does not consist solely of glycolic acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid,hydraacrylic acid, pyruvic acid, glyceric acid, 3-hydroxypyruvic acid,malonic acid, 3-hydroxybutryic acid, 2-methyllactic acid,2-hydroxybutyric acid, 2-oxobutyric acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid,malic acid, 2-oxovaleric acid, isovaleric acid, 2-methylvaleric acid,hexanoic acid, mercaptoacetic acid, thiolactic acid, 3-mercaptopropionicacid, thiopropionic acid, 3-mercaptoproprionic acid, 2-bromoproprionicacid, 2-bromobutyric acid, 2-chloroproprionic acid, 3-chloroproprionicacid, lactic acid, or formic acid; and salts thereof; wherein thecomposition is effective to attract arthropods. 2-42. (canceled)
 43. Amethod for attracting mosquitos comprising exposing an environment witha composition comprising mosquito attracting amounts of lactic acid andbutanone.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein said compositions furthercomprises dimethyl disulfide.
 45. A composition consisting of mosquitoattracting amounts of lactic acid, acetone, and carbon dioxide.
 46. Acomposition consisting of mosquito attracting amounts of lactic acid anddimethyl disulfide.
 47. A composition consisting of mosquito attractingamounts of lactic acid, dimethyl disulfide, and carbon dioxide.
 48. Acomposition consisting of mosquito attracting amounts of glycolic acidand acetone.
 49. A composition consisting of mosquito attracting amountsof glycolic acid, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid.
 50. A method forattracting mosquitos consisting essentially of exposing an environmentwith a composition consisting essentially of mosquito attracting amountsof lactic acid and butanone.
 51. A method for attracting mosquitoscomprising exposing an environment with a composition consistingessentially of mosquito attracting amounts of lactic acid, butanone anddimethyl disulfide.
 52. A method for attracting mosquitos comprisingexposing an environment with a composition consisting of mosquitoattracting amounts of lactic acid, acetone, and carbon dioxide.
 53. Amethod for attracting mosquitos comprising exposing an environment witha composition consisting of mosquito attracting amounts of lactic acidand dimethyl disulfide.
 54. A method for attracting mosquitos consistingof exposing an environment with a composition consisting essentially ofmosquito attracting amounts of lactic acid, dimethyl disulfide, andcarbon dioxide.
 55. A method for attracting mosquitos comprisingexposing an environment with a composition consisting essentially ofmosquito attracting amounts of glycolic acid, carbon dioxide, and lacticacid.